WATCH: Bold Prediction for Alabama's ILB Depth Chart
Alabama is gearing up to take the field for fall camp on Thursday, and to get you ready, BOL Team Expert Jimmy Stein and I are sitting down every day this week to share our boldest predictions regarding the Crimson Tide’s potential depth chart. Today, we start with the inside linebacker room, which is looking to replace field general Henry To’oTo’o.
Jefferson finishes the season as Alabama’s biggest difference-maker at ILB
Justin Jefferson isn’t projected to start right now. In fact, the top defensive player from the JUCO ranks isn’t currently included in the top-3 based on what we saw throughout the spring. Despite missing all of spring practice due to an injury, we know Deontae Lawson will be included on that list. The veteran is projected to be the team’s top off-ball linebacker, after all. With Lawson out, we saw Georgia transfer Trezmen Marshall and former five-star Jihaad Campbell working with the first-team defense, which puts Jefferson at least fourth once Lawson returns.
Just predicting that Jefferson eventually takes over as a starter would be considered bold, but I’m not stopping there. We’re taking this one a step further. Don’t get me wrong, Lawson will play the most snaps amongst the off-ball guys and should make a noticeable difference at MIKE. But if Jefferson can find his way onto the field at some point in 2023, he possesses the traits needed to eventually be Alabama’s biggest difference-maker at the position.
Yes, he’s somewhat undersized (6-foot-1, 225 pounds), but he more than makes up for it with his aggression, anticipation and ultra-rare closing speed. Not only can he beat blockers to a spot consistently, but he’s a vicious hitter who can be an alpha and tone-setter on Alabama’s defense. Combine his jarring hits with top-notch cover traits, and you’ve got a linebacker ready to generate a game-changing turnover at a moment’s notice. With a seasoned Jaheim Oatis eating up space in front of Lawson and Jefferson, combining their run-and-hit styles would fit perfectly in Kevin Steele’s defense.
For more bold predictions regarding Alabama’s ILB room, click here (On3+ subscription required).
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