2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Position Preview: Interior Linebacker

New Alabama Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele has a surplus of upperclassman talent ready to make an immediate impact.

© Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

With the departures of Henry To'o To'o and Jaylen Moody, Alabama's middle and weakside linebacker positions up for grabs heading into fall camp.

Historically speaking, inside linebacker has always been a strength for the Crimson Tide. From hard-hitters Reuben Foster and Rashaan Evans, to tackling-machines C.J. Mosley and Reggie Ragland, Alabama's interior linebackers have typically struck fear into every opponent lined up on the other side. 

In recent years, that hasn't necessarily been the case. 

After having eight First-Team All-Americans at the position from 2009 to 2017, only Dylan Moses in 2020 has found himself landing such accolades since. 

In 2023, the Crimson Tide may once again find itself with a talented enough group to make the opposition's life a little bit harder on Saturdays. 

With four players vying for playing time at the two positions, Alabama is hoping to have somewhat of a renaissance on the interior, with talented junior Deontae Lawson appearing to lead the way at mike linebacker.

The supposed crown-jewel of the linebacker room, Lawson enters the season having played in 11 games last season — making 51 tackles for the Crimson Tide in 2022.

While there's no guarantees, Lawson is the safest bet to lock up a starting position prior to Alabama's opening matchup with Middle Tennessee State on Sep. 2. 

Joining Lawson as a favorite to start is Georgia transfer Trezman Marshall. Standing at 6-foot-1, 230-pounds, Marshall has the most experience of any linebacker on the team, having played in 35 games for the Bulldogs over the course of four years.

As a whole, the unit appears to be relatively interchangeable, with Marshall and Lawson both having the capabilities to play either position in a number of schemes.

Likely fighting for significant reserve time at both positions are Justin Jefferson and Jihaad Campbell. 

Jefferson, a JUCO transfer from Pearl River Community College, is a speedster —reportedly clocking a 4.34 in 2022. A bit on the lighter side at 225-pounds, Jefferson has already bulked up from 215-pounds last season and appears to be on a fast track to playing time as he potentially fights for a starting gig. 

Campbell, a true sophomore standing at 6-foot-3, 230-pounds, was once viewed as an edge prospect coming out of IMG Academy. Now moved into the interior, the hard-hitting special teamer and reserve linebacker is also a prime contender for playing time behind the early favorites. 

Projected Depth Chart

Middle (Mike)

1. Deontae Lawson (So.)
2. Jihaad Campbell (So.)
   
3. Shawn Murphy (RS Fr.)

Weakside (Will)

1. Trezmen Marshall (Sr.) 
2. Justin Jefferson (Jr.)
3. Kendrick Blackshire (Jr.)

2023-24 Alabama Interior Linebackers

2023-24 Alabama Interior Linebackers

Deontae Lawson

Redshirt Sophomore, 6'2, 230 lbs.

Trezman Marshall

Redshirt Junior, 6'1, 236 lbs.

Jihaad Campbell

Sophomore, 6'3, 230 lbs. 

Justin Jefferson

Junior, 6'1, 225 lbs.

Ian Jackson

Redshirt Sophomore, 6'1, 235 lbs.

Kendrick Blackshire

Junior, 6'2, 233 lbs. 

Shawn Murphy

Redshirt Freshman, 6'2, 235 lbs.

See also:

2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Position Preview: Offensive Line

2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Position Preview: Defensive Line

2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Position Preview: Running Backs