Lawson Knows Vols Offensive Line Will Be Challenging

Alabama middle linebacker Deontae Lawson is the quarterback of the Tide's defense. As such, he's already seen tape of this week's opponent and knows the Tennessee offensive line can be a formidable unit.

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Said Lawson: "I think [Tennessee's] offensive line blocks together well as a unit. They're physical up front, got two good running backs and they just I think they just play together."

And the way to confront and defeat that?

"Just make sure we get on the same page, everyone get lined up," Lawson answered. "[We've] got to make sure we stop the run game, that'll be a big piece of the game. It's a challenge but we have good interior defensive linemen that can hold their gaps. It makes it easier for me to flow in and make the tackle."

Growing up in Mobile county, Lawson watched a former Tide and current NFL star play first high school ball and then in college. In fact, Lawson now wears the same No. 32 that C.J. Mosley wore at Alabama.

Lawson told Tide 100.9, "Growing up, I played at Theodore Park when [Mosley] was at Theodore High School, so I definitely watched him growing up, but it hit me when I first got here, seeing [nmber] 32 and just knowing the legacy.

"As time got on, I just noticed I could only be myself. I do watch his tape to try to steal some of his moves in a way, but I just use that to implement me and help me be a better player"

Bama and the Vols square off at 2:30 CT Saturday and you can hear the game on Tide 100.9, 1230 AM WTBC and 95.3 The Bear.

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