By Mmesoma 
As Alabama enters the thick of offseason preparations under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, one of the most scrutinized position groups on defense remains the inside linebackers. Once the heart and soul of the Crimson Tide’s physical identity, this unit faces critical questions heading into the 2025 season after an inconsistent 2024 showing and the departure of key veteran leadership.
Here are four burning questions surrounding Alabama’s inside linebackers this offseason:
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1. Who Will Emerge as the Alpha in the Middle?
With Deontae Lawson off to the NFL, Alabama must identify a new leader in the center of its defense. Lawson’s command, experience, and football IQ were instrumental in keeping the defense organized against elite SEC competition. Rising junior Jihaad Campbell has shown flashes of brilliance with his speed and instincts, but consistency remains a concern. Can Campbell rise to be the vocal anchor, or will a surprise name step up?
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2. Can the Young Talent Step Into the Spotlight?
The Crimson Tide’s depth chart is brimming with raw potential. Sophomores Justin Jefferson and Kendrick Blackshire are physically gifted but still developing their instincts and coverage skills. True freshman Kaleb Harris, a blue-chip recruit, has already turned heads in spring practice with his sideline-to-sideline range. The real question: can any of these younger players make the leap and earn significant snaps in meaningful games?
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3. How Will the Scheme Adjust Under Coach Kane Wommack?
New defensive coordinator Kane Wommack brings a fresh approach with more aggressive gap-shooting schemes and blitz packages. That could play to the strengths of Alabama’s faster linebackers, but it also places a premium on mental sharpness and communication. With several players still adapting to new terminology and responsibilities, how quickly can they learn and execute in live action?
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4. Is Depth a Hidden Weakness?
Injuries hit Alabama hard at linebacker last year, exposing a thin layer beneath the starters. While the team has recruited well, depth remains untested. If injuries strike again or starters underperform, can the Tide rely on the second and third string to hold the line in key SEC matchups? Redshirt freshman Qua Russaw and sophomore Shawn Murphy may be asked to take on more than anticipated.
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Final Thought
The potential in Alabama’s inside linebacker room is undeniable, but potential doesn’t win championships. With new leadership on the sidelines and a legacy of elite linebacker play to uphold, the pressure is on. If the right answers emerge this offseason, Alabama’s defense could return to its feared and formidable identity in 2025.