Alabama Football: Watch out for Deontae Lawson in 2022

Alabama football has a stud linebacker in waiting

Alabama football is experiencing traditional roster turnover to start the offseason, and things are looking good on defense. The Tide lose four starters from the start of the 2021 season, including two who remained starters for the National Championship. While these losses will impact the Tide, the retention of most of the defensive line and secondary is a bright spot.

One position to keep an eye on is inside linebacker. Henry To’o To’o will return for Alabama football despite being a legitimate NFL Draft candidate. The other slot will need to be filled, and certain roster moves point to one player.

Christian Harris declared for the NFL Draft, so it was known that the linebackers on the roster would compete for one spot. However, two upperclassmen entered the Transfer Portal. Jaylen Moody was an experienced senior who played well when given opportunities. Shane Lee understood the system and started his freshman year. Despite the opening at inside linebacker, both players transferred.

The exodus of true talent points to one thing. There has to be a younger player with a genuine shot of stealing the job. Nothing else explains why two upperclassmen would give up the opportunity to finally earn the starting job for Alabama football.

With no Transfer Portal news, the logical fit would be Deontae Lawson. Lawson only played in garbage time as a true freshman, but he was one of the best prospects in the state of Alabama when he was recruited. He has the size and length to be an elite inside linebacker, and his athleticism jumps off the charts.

Lawson is a sure tackler and a thumper. He will set the tone for Alabama football. With To’o To’o in charge of calling the defense, Lawson can simply play his role.

Lawson should earn the starting role next to To’o To’o, and he is set to be the next star inside linebacker for Alabama football. Keep an eye out for him in the Tide’s A-Day Game.