Kalen DeBoer Discusses Rebuilt Inside Linebacker Room After First Fall Scrimmage

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Alabama’s inside linebacker group is starting fresh in 2026 after losing all three starters, Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green, who together accounted for 234 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks last year.

Get our free mobile app

Following Alabama’s first scrimmage of fall camp Thursday, Kalen DeBoer expressed optimism about an inside linebacker room tasked with replacing all three starters from last season.

“Guys are consistent. It’s a group that obviously there are some names that we've got to replace from last year’s team, but it’s a group that I think has consistently performed. The communication starts with them, and I think they’ve done a good job there.”

DeBoer also highlighted sophomore inside linebacker Luke Metz, who is entering his second year at Alabama after contributing primarily on special teams as a freshman. The former four-star recruit played limited defensive snaps and recorded seven tackles in 2025. Metz has impressed coaches in practice with his work ethic and ability to cover the entire field.

“A guy like Luke Metz being able to run sideline to sideline, he’s a guy to make a note of. Just like the way he plays, every snap as a young guy, he’s getting better and better as you’d expect.”

DeBoer also pointed to Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson, who brings 35 games of experience and 152 tackles from three seasons in Blacksburg. He also praised the progress of sophomore Abduall Sanders and the reliability of junior QB Reese, both of whom have seen limited action at Alabama.

“Caleb Woodson has been consistent, brings a lot of energy, just has a lot of game experience,” DeBoer said. “Abduall Sanders, he’s come along all week, and QB Reese takes a lot of snaps; you know he’s always going to be in the right place and doing his job and bringing energy as well.”

Alabama’s rebuilt inside linebacker unit will make its season debut when the Crimson Tide hosts East Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. CT.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide content.