Alabama Football: Linebackers set to benefit from spring ball

As Alabama Football continues spring practice, several members of its linebacker rooms are getting valuable practice reps. Coach Nick Saban noted in his initial spring injury report that a pair of presumed starters at linebacker will miss spring ball with undisclosed injuries that required surgeries.

Redshirt sophomore inside linebacker Deontae Lawson and junior outside linebacker Dallas Turner are both entering their third years on campus. The duo was a part of Alabama’s top-ranked 2021 recruiting class, with Turner ranked as a 5-star recruit and Lawson listed as a 4-star.

Both were major contributors on the 2022 Crimson Tide defense, and figure to be among the leaders of the unit as they attempt to solidify their NFL Draft stock this fall.

With Deontae Lawson and Dallas Turner out for the spring, who will step in and get those crucial first-team reps?

Alabama Football: Inside Linebackers

There is plenty of depth and competition in the inside linebacker room for Alabama Football, even with Lawson out.

Junior Kendrick Blackshire has appeared in 17 career games, and could be primed for a breakout year. The physical linebacker has only seen time in a reserve role and on special teams, but he has shown some violent tendencies that the Bama defense has lacked at times.

Georgia transfer Trezmen Marshall is equally physical, and the senior hopes to make an impact in Tuscaloosa. Marshall was a member of UGA’s linebacker rotation for four years. Blackshire and Marshall will both compete for a starting spot in the fall, but both have mildly concerning injury histories of their own.

JUCO transfer Justin Jefferson will also be heavily in the mix. Jefferson is slightly undersized for an inside linebacker, but his sideline-to-sideline speed is what sets him apart. Alabama Football expects to have improved speed in its linebacker room this fall, and Jefferson may be the fastest of the bunch. He was the top defensive player in the junior college ranks in the class of 2023.

Redshirt freshman Shawn Murphy and sophomore Jihaad Campbell also hope to make an impact. Both are very talented young linebackers who saw limited snaps as true freshmen last season.

Alabama Football: Outside Linebackers

On the edge, Dallas Turner figures to take the torch from Will Anderson Jr.

Senior Chris Braswell is expected to start opposite Turner and is a sleeper to have a breakout season himself. Behind these two, there is an abundance of young talent.

Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Alexander is a former 5-star recruit who could take snaps away from the veterans. Redshirt sophomore Keanu Koht has not cracked the lineup in his first two years on campus, but looks to make a push in year three.

True freshman Qua Russaw was a 5-star in the 2023 class, and has the physical maturity of a much older player. Russaw has the athletic upside to get on the field early.

Fellow 5-star edge rushers Keon Keeley and Yhonzae Pierre will not join the team until the summer session.

Alabama Football is missing two of its key defensive contributors this spring, but their absence could easily be parlayed into advanced development and improved depth at linebacker.