Alabama officially names starter at inside linebacker ahead of Week 1

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It appears that the Alabama Crimson Tide have named a second starter at inside linebacker.

During his post-practice press conference Wednesday afternoon, Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack revealed that Luke Metz will be the Crimson Tide's second starter at inside linebacker against East Carolina. Metz will start alongside Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson in Week 1.

"Luke Metz is really our other starter right now, but those other guys have done a really good job," Wommack said. "I'm pleased with that room. Chuck Morrell has done a fantastic job with the development in that room. You're going to see a number of guys in there, but certainly Luke and Caleb will be the first two out."

Metz enters his second season at Alabama coming off a freshman campaign that saw the talented inside linebacker appear in all 15 games. A majority of that came as a key member of the Crimson Tide's special teams unit, resulting in Metz posting seven tackles as a true freshman.

The sophomore was considered as a four-star recruit in Alabama's 2025 class, as well as the No. 288 overall player nationally out of Mill Creek High School in Georgia, per the 247Sports composite rankings.

Alabama will open the 2026 season in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, Sept. 5, against East Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on ABC.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama officially names starter at inside linebacker ahead of Week 1

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