If you're looking for one of the candidates for Breakout Player of the Year in the SEC, look no further than Alabama's Dont'a Hightower.
He was a first-team Freshman All-American last season. He's poised to be one of the best linebackers, period, in the SEC this season.
Julio Jones got most of the publicity last season when it came to the Crimson Tide's heralded freshman class, but Hightower carved out his own niche in his debut season.
"I think I'll be able to play a lot more on instinct this season than just based on knowing what the call is," said Hightower, who made 12 starts a year ago at will linebacker, one of Alabama's two inside linebacker positions.
"I watch film from last season, and there are a lot more plays I could have made and didn't. It won't be that way this season."
Hightower has worked at several different spots this preseason, including the Crimson Tide's jack linebacker, which is more of a hybrid pass-rushing position. He's also a candidate to play some defensive end on passing downs.
He's a natural to rush the passer, packing 260 pounds with great burst off the edge and the strength to fight off blockers.
"I'm moving a lot better this year at my weight because I was still learning last year," said Hightower, one of 11 true freshmen to start a season opener at Alabama since 1972. "I know what's going on now and have a quicker beat on everything."
He thinks this version of the Alabama defense will be even faster than a year ago and doesn't have a preference on where he plays. He feels "freer" at jack linebacker because he doesn't have to worry about pass coverage.
"But I'll play wherever it's going to help this team win championships," Hightower said. "That's up to coach (Nick) Saban. Whatever it takes for this team to win, I'll do. That's the mindset of this whole team. We don't have selfish players."
And while he'll let everybody else weigh in on where he rates among the Breakout Player of the Year candidates, Hightower does have a promise for the Alabama fans.
"My game has changed tremendously," he said. "I think I'll surprise a few people. I'm not as hesitant. I'm quicker to react. I'm playing a lot more naturally.
"I'll be a lot better player."
To read more of Low's blog during his visit to Tuscaloosa, click HERE.
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