Could Deontae Lawson Become the Next Great Alabama Middle Linebacker?
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — There's something about that No. 32.
Mobile, Alabama, is the home of C.J. Mosley, perhaps the best linebacker to come out of Alabama during the Nick Saban era. Mosley played at Theodore High School — 8.4 miles away from Mobile Christian, where current Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson played his high school ball.
That's one similarity. How about another? Since he arrived in Tuscaloosa, Lawson has donned the No. 32 uniform — the same digits Mosley wore all of those successful years.
Now that Henry To'o To'o and Jaylen Moody are gone, there's a void in the middle of the Alabama 3-4 defense. Lawson is one of a few guys that will attempt to take that role to heart.
The middle linebacker is perhaps the most important player in Saban's defensive scheme. Over the years, the middle linebacker has been the leader, the communicator of the defense.
Lawson is ready for that challenge.
"I feel like, with my position, that’s something I have to do," Lawson said. "Seeing guys like Henry and Moody, just following their footsteps, that’s a role I have to step into."
"Everybody is hungry. Everybody feels like they have a point to prove. We’re not too worried about the outcome or the [national championship] or something like that. We’re just trying to get better day by day and stay the course."
Saban has already mentioned Lawson's growth in fall practice — and seems to like his potential as a leader of the unit.
"I'm happy with the group. Deontae Lawson played really good football when he played last year. He was injured a lot of the time. He sat out the spring, got his knee worked on a little bit. He's had a good summer. He's got leadership, he's got a good understanding of the defense. [...] We've got lots of competition at the position. I'm pleased with the way these guys are progressing. They've made a tremendous amount of progress."
Lawson has dealt with several injuries already in his young career. But after a successful procedure on his knee, he's feeling healthy and ready to go.
"It feels great," Lawson said. "I had a little issue, got it cleaned up and stuff. Had a great summer. I was ready to get back out there, be with my guys, and get this thing started."
It would be going to far to assume that Lawson will win SEC Defensive Player of the Year, the Butkus Award and make five NFL Pro Bowls — but you've got to start somewhere.
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