Written by Matthew Speakman at TheCrimsonWhite.com
Every year, football teams must reload and find new leadership on both sides of the ball. This season is no different for Alabama, as it has to replace many players who were important to the program.
The Crimson Tide will see a lot of new players step up and fill in leadership roles in the season to come. On the defensive line, Alabama lost A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed who were two key components in a defense that was among the best in the country. Senior Dalvin Tomlinson believes the change in leadership on the line will take some adjustment.
“It is a different feel because I played alongside them (Reed and Robinson) for two to three years,” he said. “There is some new faces we have to get used to on the defensive line, but we are still a big family. It won’t be different for too much longer.”
Players, such as Tomlinson, senior Jonathan Allen and junior Da’Shawn Hand, will have to fill in and not only produce but stand out as leaders. Veterans need to increase their roles within the team but more importantly, become an example for the younger players at the same time.
“Leadership is something our team needs,” senior OJ Howard said. “Last year, we had great leadership. We need the same thing this year.”
Both Tomlinson and Howard expressed the importance of experience when taking over a leadership role on the team. Howard believes he has to step up as a senior to help players who are younger than him become comfortable in the system.
“We have to lead by example, do the right thing,” Howard said. “Leadership is going to play a big role this year and I think it starts with myself as one of the older guys.”
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