‘It Felt Very Natural’: Luke Metz Reflects on First Alabama Start

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—Alabama sophomore linebacker Luke Metz looked comfortable in his first collegiate start, helping the Crimson Tide secure a 48-10 win over East Carolina in its season opener.

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Metz discussed how he felt in his first start and explained the defense’s mindset after East Carolina’s lone touchdown early in the second quarter to cut Alabama’s lead to 17-7.

“It was great; I’m just glad that my teammates trust me out there. It felt very natural out there, so it was a good start,” Metz said. 

The sophomore linebacker recorded two tackles in his first start and contributed to a defensive performance that held East Carolina to just two rushing yards and five first downs for the entire game.

Early in the second quarter, East Carolina scored its first touchdown after a 68-yard pass from quarterback Mitch Griffis to wide receiver Tyler Johnson set up Griffis’s one-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Melvin. The score cut Alabama’s lead to 17-7 with 13:41 left in the first half. Metz was asked how the team responded after that drive.

“One of the things Coach Wommack said pregame is that we gotta expect everything. First game of the season, we don’t know what they’re gonna run or what they’re gonna come out in, so when we get surprised like that, the goal is just to go 1-0 the next drive, settle down,” Metz told the media following Alabama’s 38-point win over East Carolina. 

Alabama’s defense responded immediately. On East Carolina’s next possession, senior linebacker Yhonzae Pierre returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown, putting the Tide up 31-7 with 9:21 remaining in the second quarter.

The Crimson Tide held the Pirates to just a field goal for the remainder of the game. East Carolina’s longest drive after its lone touchdown was 30 yards before the Pirates were eventually forced to punt.

Metz and the Crimson Tide will be back in action next Saturday, Sept. 12, when they open SEC play against Kentucky at Kroger Field.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide content.