Alabama linebacker and team captain Deontae Lawson left the Oklahoma game on Saturday with an apparent leg injury. On Monday, it was confirmed to be a season-ending injury by coach Kalen DeBoer, a critical setback for an Alabama defense that surrendered 260 rushing yards in a 24-3 loss to the Sooners.
“Amazing leader, I can see not what he means to us on the field but the love the players have for him,” DeBoer said. “I know we all feel for him. We appreciate everything he’s done. Obviously, you miss what he does on the field but what he brings to the locker room.”
Lawson, a junior and projected NFL prospect, likely has played his final game for Alabama. He was a Butkus Award semifinalist with 76 tackles, four pass breakups and two sacks. He was named a permanent team captain before the season, and he was Alabama’s headset communication player on defense.
“When you lose a guy (like Lawson) who is your steady-maker in the box, it’s a tough loss,” defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said. “Justin Jefferson stepped up in the second half and did a really good job. We’ve got some young guys trending in the right direction with Jeremiah Alexander, Justin Okoronkwo and Cayden Jones.”
Lawson’s injury compounds another issue for this defense: pass rush. When healthy, Lawson and Jefferson were inside linebackers while Jihaad Campbell turned into a pure pass rusher on obvious pass downs. Now, Lawson’s injury will affect how Campbell is used. He leads the team with five sacks, and Alabama had only one sack against Oklahoma.
Jefferson, a senior, replaced Lawson on Saturday and finished with six tackles. Jefferson has been constant in the rotation this year as a third linebacker and has 46 tackles and two sacks. He will assume the headset communication duties moving forward, as he did in Lawson’s place at Oklahoma and will start full-time alongside Campbell at inside linebacker.
“Maybe a little different style, but Justin can run, he’s physical, team-first mindset,” DeBoer said. “He’s always ready whenever called upon. We’re all fans of him and want him to go out there and be great, we’re confident in him.”
