Nick Saban Says Hightower To Move To Will, Johnson To Middle Inside Linebacker

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) In a move that wasn't unexpected to insiders but was finally made official this week, Saban has moved Dont'a Hightower to the Will linebacker role, or weak side linebacker, and is putting Nico Johnson to Hightower's former middle linebacker slot.

This puts Hightower back in the spot he used to have when he played with Rolando McClain and can use him more in run support and pass rushing, something he is comfortable doing and where he has spent the majority of his time at the university.

For Nico Johnson, this is a nod of approval for his good work so far this season and the trust the coaches have in his speed and ability to cover backs out of the backfield. It's also a chance for him to be regular starter, something he's been wanting for a while.

In an interview with Don Kausler Jr. of al.com, Johnson said, "I just had to wait my turn. It's an honor to be back on the field to play for a good team, a good school."

And when asked what it meant to be a starter again, he said, "It's a relief."

In a post practice interview to the press this week, Saban said of the change, "We played the run a little bit better," Saban said of the Arkansas game. "We also moved Dont'a back to where he played most of his career, the money position, and I think he's a little more comfortable there.

"I think the combination of those two things is what contributed to us playing the run a little bit better.  This is a good running team we're playing this week, so we'll certainly have to do a good job against the running plays they have and the speed they have on the perimeter."

The move was not unexpected as Hightower had been being moved around during many of the games so far this season and these experiments have helped coaches come up with the best set of players at each position.

There are many good linebackers, and you will still see lots of rotating players and substitutes. It is only because of that wealth of talent that the coaches can make these changes.

Jerrell Harris, who started the first three games at Will is being moved to the Sam, or strong side linebacker slot.

One thing that Hightower, Johnson, and Harris all agree on is that by rotating the way they have, they each learned so much more than they would have in just playing one position and that this group is nothing if not versatile.

All three players see this as a good move and the move is certainly something wanted to iron out before the Florida game and the remaining big games.

Expect future opposing quarterbacks to grimace at seeing Hightower focus on them in the future. With Alabama's defensive end Marcell Dareus still a little hobbled, Hightower's pressure on the quarterback will be something the Tide needs.