Alabama Football: Linebackers to finally dominate again

It’s about time for Alabama football linebackers to dominate

When you think of an Alabama football defense, a star linebacker likely comes to mind. The Nick Saban era has been filled with elite athletes at the inside and outside linebacker positions. From Dont’a Hightower to C.J. Mosley to Reuben Foster to Courtney Upshaw, plenty of dominant players have been on the Tide’s depth chart.

In recent years, however, linebacker play has declined. While Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses were a formidable pair in 2018, injuries caused inexperienced players to start in 2019. In 2020, Moses’s lingering injuries lowered the ceiling for the Crimson Tide’s defense.

In 2021, Alabama football will finally be back to winning games thanks to their linebackers.

At inside linebacker, Alabama has three great stars ready to play this season. Christian Harris has proven himself over two seasons as a starter. Henry To’o To’o was one of the best transfers this offseason, and he will be immediately eligible. Jaylen Moody was going to likely start if To’o To’o had not joined the team, so Alabama has three starting-caliber inside linebackers.

At outside linebackers, Alabama brings back both starters from the championship team. Will Anderson was one of the best outside linebackers last year, and he was just a true freshman. Chris Allen was also productive as a pass-rusher, so the Tide will be aggressive on both sides of the line.

These five players will make up an elite linebacker corps for Alabama football, and it will be one of the best the Tide have ever seen. They have it all. Harris knows the defense. Both Allen and Anderson can rush the passer, and Anderson proved his ability to step back in coverage at times. To’o To’o will blitz and fill gaps in the run defense, and Harris will step back and cover players out of the backfield. Moody brings crucial depth, and any player has what it takes to dominate in any game.

Alabama has managed to survive without elite defenses, but it will be crucial in 2021 with a young offense. Thankfully, Alabama looks ready to win with the front seven.