Link: Hightower no longer the man in the middle of Tide's defense

[ElephanTideis]

Hightower no longer the man in the middle of Tide's defense | al.com

Donta has moved over to Will and Nico Johnson has filled the spot at Mike.

 

[TrampLineman]

I want to see more C.J. Mosley!!

To me his coverage skills look better than Nico's but thats JMO and we know we all have that...

 

[nasatidefan]

I can't say I'm too surprised. Nico may have not had a perfect game last Sat but he was playing hard and all over the field. Donta looks the best right now chasing the QB off the edge.

 

[Perrett4Bama]

I want to see more C.J. Mosley!!

To me his coverage skills look better than Nico's but thats JMO and we know we all have that...

What he said.....

 

[TreyJackson]

What he said.....

I 2nd that. I sure hope CJ gets more PT out of this.
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[mikes12]

If this were any other coaching staff, I'd be worried about players learning new assignemts this quickly. But with Saban, Smart and Co. I am confident they know what they're doing.

 

[bamacon]

I think this has been necessitated by the lack of production by the DL which is something the staff is trying to address in short order. This should help shore up the run D some. Nico can cover much more area and CJ is very similar. I think this is potentially a great move. It also really helped to have a healthier Upshaw in the mix last week.

 

[CapstoneGrad06]

If this were any other coaching staff, I'd be worried about players learning new assignemts this quickly. But with Saban, Smart and Co. I am confident they know what they're doing.

Dont'a has played the "Will" position most all of his career. Nico has experience, beyond last week, at the "Mike" position. They're not new to the positions.

 

[mikes12]

Dont'a has played the "Will" position most all of his career. Nico has experience, beyond last week, at the "Mike" position. They're not new to the positions.

Good to know. I'm not as up to speed on X's and O's as many of you guys are.

 

[Samdog91]

Dont'a has said as much about this in the past that needs to be said now. He said he wasnt comfortable at Mike and he also stated that Nico had more of the qualities of a Rolando than he did. I dont know why he didnt step into that position but its obvious he is better at the Money role. It's no knock on Dont'a at all. I asssume by this time next year we will see shirts in the crowd with "Got Nico" written all over them. It was the logical step to move him there.

 

[BamaJama17]

I had always thought Dont'a was the other MLB last year and Anders was jack buy I missed most of last season and Dont'a was hurt by the time I got back in November but it's good to know both are back in their natural positions again.

 

[wileybb22]

I want to see more C.J. Mosley!!

To me his coverage skills look better than Nico's but thats JMO and we know we all have that...

If he can only hold on to the ones that hits his hands he would already have 3 ints. I think he's going to be a great one.:BigA:

 

[BAMAFEVER50]

I 2nd that. I sure hope CJ gets more PT out of this.
Posted via Mobile Device

all in favor say I......IIIIIIII

 

[BAMAFEVER50]

I had always thought Dont'a was the other MLB last year and Anders was jack buy I missed most of last season and Dont'a was hurt by the time I got back in November but it's good to know both are back in their natural positions again.

He will mop up the tackles now, this says a lot for Nico. If Nico can call all the defensive plays/assignments and let Hightower pin his ears back and go......look out. I think this move may solidify our defensive front!:BigA:

 

[BamaBeta]

He will mop up the tackles now, this says a lot for Nico. If Nico can call all the defensive plays/assignments and let Hightower pin his ears back and go......look out. I think this move may solidify our defensive front!:BigA:

I am not certain this will "solidify" the front completely but I think it certainly will help with quarterback pressure, sacks, and tackles for loss. I am hoping Dareus will return to full form quickly, which in my opinion will "solidify" our front.

 

[CajunCrimson]

Does Hightower come back next year now?

 

[RJ YellowHammer]

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[theBIGyowski]

If he can only hold on to the ones that hits his hands he would already have 3 ints. I think he's going to be a great one.:BigA:

Haha...I was about to say the exact same thing! You can't fault the guy for being in position...but give that boy some Stickum for his hands!

 

[TheRealPokeChop]

Does Hightower come back next year now?

He hasn't looked like a sure fire first round pick and he has two years left. I think it is very possible we see him stick around for one more, unless he finishes up with a fantastic season.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

He hasn't looked like a sure fire first round pick and he has two years left. I think it is very possible we see him stick around for one more, unless he finishes up with a fantastic season.

I tend to agree. I think when NFL evaluation time comes around, they're likely to tell he needs to stay another year. I guess the wild card is if he starts to really tear it up from Will...