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Alabama is getting its leader in the middle back for another season.
Third-year linebacker Deontae Lawson announced his return for the 2024 season on Thursday in the simplest terms. He posted a graphic on social media that read “I’m back” and captioned it “nothing to be said.” After taking control of the middle ‘backer spot for Alabama this season, Lawson started 11 games and finished third on the defense with 67 tackles.
Nothing to be said ! ? #DOAxLANK pic.twitter.com/wqYY1DSR61
— Deontae Lawson (@Deontae_0) January 4, 2024
Lawson struggled in coverage this season but he was among the best linebacker in the SEC when it came to run defense and rushing the passer. His 22 quarterback pressures were fifth among SEC linebackers despite getting very limited runway as a pass-rusher. (Harold Perkins had two more pressures on double the snaps.) Lawson also received the sixth-best grade as a run defender from Pro Football Focus.
The 6-foot-2 ‘backer from Mobile also had 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and four pass breakups.
In 26 career appearances for the Tide, Lawson has 118 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
With NFL Draft declarations from Dallas Turner, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and JC Latham, Lawson’s return next season gives the Tide some experience in the middle of the defense to lean on.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
