The Alabama Crimson Tide has experienced a mass exodus on defense ever since the season ended in the Rose Bowl. Now, some of that has been expected via NFL Draft declarations, but losses like Keon Keeley and Qua Russaw caught many by surprise.

Alabama has been bracing for the departure of its inside linebacker duo for months, however. Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson are headed for the NFL, and while Alabama has some up-and-comers at that spot, the defense in 2026 desperately needs two things: experience and speed. Alabama just found both in one signing.

Former Virginia Tech LB Caleb Woodsoon transferring to Alabama

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Woodson once played safety and has converted to the inside linebacker position. He’s the perfect modern-day player who can fly across the middle with his speed and play out in space as a pass defender.

Jefferson and Lawson were fine players, but both of them were more of your traditional stacked backers. With Woodson, you’re bringing in a hybrid player who is used to running the alley as a run defender, but with upside to make plays on the football in space. For more on the signing, here is A to Z Sports Alabama contributor Josh Taylor.

“Woodson is a converted safety who plays linebacker now at 6-3, 230 pounds, who is like a smaller Jihaad Campbell. Woodson can fly around as a freak athlete, and he’s more of a sub-package type of player to me. With that being said, having someone like that in the box is a great asset to have.”

“He’s not a wolf or anything like that, but he can stop the run and be a great blanket in coverage while the front four get after the QB. He will be a dangerous player if he can add a little bit more weight in his transition to LB, and Alabama is a great place to do that.” – Taylor

Alabama Crimson Tide News

Alabama Crimson Tide lands massive transfer portal win to help revive its biggest weakness that ultimately ended its season

Alabama lands impactful commitment from one of the top players in the portal.

Josh Taylor