Report: Alabama down two defensive starters for SEC matchup against Kentucky

He is a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus Award, which goes to the nation’s top linebacker for high school, college, and professional football. Lawson, a native of Mobile, Ala., is second on the team for total tackles (52) and has 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. He dealt with the same ankle injury earlier this season. Key, a transfer safety from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, sustained a quad injury against LSU. He stands at 46 total tackles, which is third on the defense. Key chimes in with a pass breakup and an interception in his first season with the Crimson Tide in the SEC.

Jihaad Campbell, a sophomore, will replace Lawson at linebacker.

Campbell, a former five-star, has 42 tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, an interception, and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Kristian Story, a senior, is Key’s backup at free safety. He has nine total tackles on the season.

Alabama may also go with playing Malachi Moore at free safety, Terrion Arnold at ‘Star,’ and Trey Amos at cornerback to make up for not having Key. We will see how Nick Saban plays it, but Lawson and Key are out for this matchup against Kentucky.