Alabama may have the best linebackers in the country in 2024
The inside linebacker position was a staple of vintage Nick Saban defenses at Alabama. The inside 'backers patrolled the middle of the field, running free and punishing ball carriers in Saban's 3-4 alignment.
Bama continued to produce good linebackers in Saban's later years, including Mack Wilson, Dylan Moses, and Christian Harris. However, it hasn’t been dominant at the position since Reuben Foster led the room in 2016.
Flanked by Shaun Dion Hamilton and Rashaan Evans, Foster was the best linebacker in the nation that season. He won the Butkus Award, becoming the third Saban linebacker in eight years to win the award (Rolando McClain 2009, CJ Mosley 2013).
Bama used to boast the best linebackers in college football, and it could return to that pedestal in 2024. Redshirt junior Deontae Lawson and junior Jihaad Campbell are poised for huge seasons, and were both named to the preseason Butkus Award watch list this week.
Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Ohio State, Iowa, Utah, and Kentucky join Alabama as the only programs with multiple entries on the watch list. Though only Smael Mondon was named to the list from Georgia, the Bulldogs also have a lot of talent at the position. Kirby Smart has recruited the off-ball linebacker spot better than anyone in recent years (much like Alabama has done on the edge), stacking blue-chippers like CJ Allen, Raylen Wilson, Jalon Walker, and more.
Still, the Tide may have the advantage with two proven playmakers returning to their posts. Jihaad Campbell finished third on the team with 66 tackles in 2023 and proved to be adept at generating turnovers. He picked off a pass against Mississippi State, returned a fumble for a touchdown against Tennessee, and recovered a muffed punt against Auburn. By creating massive momentum-shifting turnovers in eventual wins over the Tide’s two biggest rivals, Campbell proved he can make big plays in the most critical moments.
Deontae Lawson was second on the team with 67 tackles last season despite missing three games due to injury. He also recorded 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks, both of which ranked fourth on the team last year and are the leading returning marks on the Alabama defense.
Both players look to take a step forward this fall, providing leadership and a ton of statistical production from the middle of the Tide defense. These two All-American candidates are so good that it’s easy to envision them cannibalizing each other’s chances to win the Butkus.
Add in Justin Jefferson, a third linebacker that has impressed the staff in fall camp, and Alabama could once again have the top linebacker corps in college football.