Two Alabama Defenders Named to Lott Watch List

The Alabama Crimson Tide is known for superior defenders, and more specifically, elite play at two vital positions on the field: inside linebacker and defensive back.

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The questions circulated around Alabama's defense after the annual A-Day scrimmage was in favor of the Tide's offense for the vast majority of the game. However, some of the Tide's top defenders did not play, with Jihaad Campbell and Jaheim Oatis not playing due to injury.

Alabama's defense is spearheaded by two veteran leaders in defensive back Malachi Moore and linebacker Deontae Lawson. Both players dealt with injuries during their time at Alabama, but are poised to be the top defenders for Alabama in 2024.

Both players have their impact seen by awards watch lists, as Malachi Moore and Deontae Lawson have both been named to the Lott Impact Trophy Watch List for the 2024 season.

Last season, Lawson was the second-leading tackler on the team with 67 total tackles. He added 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four quarterback hits, and four pass breakups as well. His best game came against Tennessee when he had 12 tackles. Lawson finished as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award last season.

Malachi Moore had 57 total tackles in 2023 and was named a team captain. He added five tackles for loss, one pick, and four pass breakups as well. Last season, Moore was on the watchlist for the Lott and Nagurski Awards.

According to the award's site, the Lott Impact Trophy honors college football’s best in character and performance. It is named after former USC Trojan and four-time Super Bowl Champion Ronnie Lott. Impact is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.

Former Alabama and now Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs is also on the watchlist. You can view the full watchlist of players here.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.