Nick Saban has another in-state product from Alabama that wants to anchor the Crimson Tide's defense to a national championship.

Deontae Lawson, a Mobile (Ala.) native, is now ready. He has become more vocal as an inside linebacker and his teammates shared with reporters he has 'taken charge of the defense.' Lawson produced success in 2022 through 11 games with 51 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. He also had four pass breakups, helping the program to 11 wins and finishing the year strong.

RELATED: Alabama LB Deontae Lawson has ‘taken charge of the defense,’ per his Crimson Tide teammates

The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder is a preseason candidate for the Dick Butkus Award. Since 1985, the honor has been presented to the most outstanding linebacker in high school, college, and professional football. Alabama has had four players capture the honor from the Dick Butkus Foundation. Derrick Thomas started the Tide's success in 1988, but Rolando McClain (2009), C.J. Mosley (2013), and Reuben Foster (2016) followed suit. McClain, Mosley, and Foster grew up in the state of Alabama like Lawson.

Butkus Award ▶️ Nation's Top Linebacker@deontae_32 https://t.co/99f3rZEw75 pic.twitter.com/JLvSr0xXCa

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) August 10, 2023

A former four-star in the 2021 signing class, Lawson could become the fifth Tide player to win the Butkus Award.

RELATED: Deontae Lawson appears anxious to get back on the field in latest social media post

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.