Alabama linebacker Henry To’o To’o entered into a unique situation on the Crimson Tide defense. As a Tennessee transfer, To’o To’o is a relative “new guy” with the unit. As a veteran starting linebacker, though, To’o To’o is expected to be one of the defense’s leaders.

Nick Saban was asked Wednesday night about To’o To’o ‘s growth as a leader.

“Henry has done a really good job,” Saban told reporters in his Wednesday press conference. “He’s a good communicator, he’s smart — I think he helps everybody else play better up front in terms of his ability to communicate, have good understanding of the defense, what the offense is trying to do, what we’re trying to do on defense to stop it and I think that’s been very helpful to all of our players. Communication on defense is really important in adjustments, and that’s one of the things that I think Henry has really added to our group is his ability to communicate and help other people be confident in doing the right things.”

Alabama will be counting on To’o To’o’s communication – and, of course, production – to keep his former team from pulling off a huge upset. The Crimson Tide and Volunteers are set to meet at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday for this year’s edition of The Third Saturday in October rivalry. The game will air on ESPN.