Alabama Football Spring Position Update: Linebackers
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — They finished first and fifth, which was obviously impressive in any context regarding the voting for the 2021 Heisman Trophy. As we all know, Bryce Young became the first Crimson Tide quarterback to win the award, while linebacker Will Anderson Jr. placed fifth.
It was the second straight year that the Crimson Tide had players finish in those exact spots, but while quarterback quarterback Mac Jones was sandwiched at No. 3 by winner DeVonta Smith and running back Najee Harris in 2020, they all subsequently moved on to the NFL.
As sophomores heading into third seasons, Young and Anderson did not. With them back in the fold, the Crimson Tide arguably has the best returning players on both offense and defense for 2023.
“I think we are capable of be better than we were last year," Anderson said. "I think, starting towards the end we started to gel a little bit more but I think we just want to toll that over to the spring. I think that’s one of the biggest things, just keep gelling, keep working together, everybody playing together, everybody playing faster and physical.”
Anderson is one of three returning starters at linebacker, joining senior Henry To'oTo'o, and Dallas Turner. The fourth spot, where Christian Harris used to line up in the interior, will determined over the course of the spring and summer, and fall camp, but senior Jaylen Moody has the inside lane on the role and is trying to hold off an impressive group of talented challengers.
“Oh he brings a whole bunch of energy, motivation," safety Jordan Battle said. "Moody gets better and better each year. He’s been waiting a long time, and it’s time to respond to the call. Moody’s doing a great job."
Anderson and Turner head up another strong group at outside linebacker, with Chris Braswell next up in the rotation, and Jeremiah Alexander heading the next wave of freshmen, if you will. Not only was he considered one of the top prospects in the nation this past year, but the hype/hope is that he could become the next Anderson.
Although he seems pretty unique after leading the nation in sacks and tackles for a loss as a sophomore, when he was also named a team co-captain.
"His work ethic, that’s what stands out to me," safety Brian Branch said. "He comes in here everyday ready to work. It doesn’t matter what the circumstance is, he’s just determined, and you can tell that he’s motivated."
2022 Alabama Crimson Tide Linebackers
Jeremiah Alexander
Will Anderson Jr.
Chris Braswell
Dallas Turner
Demouy Kennedy
Henry To'oTo'o
Quandarrius Robinson
Jihaad Campbell
Shawn Murphy
Deontae Lawson
Jaylen Moody
Keanu Koht
Ian Jackson
Kendrick Blackshire
This is the fifth in a position-by-position series on the Crimson Tide this spring.