Alabama May Have Just Found Its Secret Weapon on Defense

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The Alabama Crimson Tide’s linebacker core is going to look significantly different this season, but that isn’t always a bad thing.

While the losses of veterans Justin Jefferson, Deontae Lawson and Nikhai Hill-Green will hurt, roster turnover has been the name of the game for over a century.

Projected starting middle linebacker Caleb Woodson came as a transfer to Tuscaloosa from Virginia Tech, and he’s been a player that has generated some buzz.

Not just from his coaches, but college football pundits are taking notice as well.

On3’s Pete Nakos wrote a column on the 20 most under-the-radar transfers for this upcoming season, and Woodson was the first name Nakos singled out.

“One of the most touted players in the Crimson Tide’s transfer class, sources have identified Woodson as a newcomer who is expected to make an immediate impact,” Nakos wrote.

“A favorite to start for Alabama at linebacker and wear the green dot, he is a converted safety who has emerged as a consistent performer throughout the summer and camp. Up to 238 pounds, he posted 58 tackles in nine games last season with the Hokies. Alabama is expecting him to play a pivotal role on its defense.”

Woodson originally came to college as a defensive back before Virginia Tech moved him to linebacker after his freshman season.

In two seasons as a linebacker, Woodson totaled 130 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, and three pass breakups.

And when he came to Tuscaloosa, he’s been all business.

"He is a professional," Alabama defensive coordinator Wommack said this past spring. "He is very much about his business and he uses the resources of this program. He is up here a lot, he is around the program… The biggest thing about him is how hard he plays … We are really stressing the effort and finish that we play with. The effort and finish that you see is something that should stand out about our defense."

With Alabama replacing so much experience at linebacker, Woodson could be asked to take on a leadership role almost immediately. 

If his spring and fall camp performances are any indication, the Crimson Tide may have found more than just a replacement for the veterans they lost.

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