Alabama Football will have a lot of new faces on its 2023 defense, in part because several of its 2022 starters will hear their names called in the NFL Draft next week. Former Alabama inside linebacker Henry To’o To’o will likely be one of those names.
To’o To’o joined the Crimson Tide prior to the 2021 season after spending two years as a Tennessee Volunteer. He started as a freshman for the Vols, and was one of the SEC’s best linebackers in his two seasons in Knoxville.
He transferred to Alabama following his sophomore year, and proceeded to start two years for the Tide.
Henry To’o To’o was sometimes criticized by Alabama Football fans and former players for his lack of physicality. He was even unfairly compared to guys like Rolando McClain, Dont’a Hightower, and Reuben Foster, who played in a different era of college football. While To’o To’o had his deficiencies just like anyone else, he did not always get credit for the things he did do well.
Although statistics don’t tell the whole story, To’o To’o was one of the most productive linebackers in the conference during his time in Tuscaloosa. As a junior, he led Alabama Football with 112 tackles, adding 8.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. He followed that up by notching 94 tackles as a senior, tacking on 8.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
He regularly received praise from Coach Nick Saban, as well as his teammates, for his processing ability and high football IQ. The comments of NFL scouts have largely been the same; To’o To’o is expected to carve out a role in the league, despite some physical shortcomings, due to his intelligence and communication skills.
Henry To’o To’o is currently considered to be a mid-round draft prospect, and will likely contribute as a reserve linebacker as well as on special teams.
Best of luck to Alabama Football NFL Draft entrant Henry To’o To’o!