ALABAMA FOOTBALL: LB Hightower fitting in all over the field

It looked minute, but Dont’a Hightower was trying to soak it up.

Hightower worked at the “jack” linebacker position during the early part of Friday’s mid-afternoon practice, under a baking sun and the scrutiny of linebackers coach Sal Sunseri.

They covered little things that could be big things in a month. How to line up against a tight end. Where to set his feet before the snap. Which foot drops first as he retreats into coverage.

“It was intense,” Hightower said. “He taught me a lot in just one day. I like working with Coach Sal and Coach (James) Willis. They both teach me a lot. ... I’m looking forward to working with both of them.”

Hightower will work at inside and outside linebacker throughout training camp. He said he doesn’t know where he will line up.

“Not right now,” he said. “I’m just going to practice every day, playing harder and harder, trying to keep up with (inside linebacker) Rolando (McClain).”

His development at will linebacker was a major surprise and one of the keys to last year’s dominating defense. Hightower started 12 games and played in all 14 lined up next to McClain.

He finished with 64 tackles and was a Freshman All-SEC and Freshman All-American.

But his physical presence, at 6-foot-4, 255, and athletic ability make him a candidate for the jack position, which is designed to pressure the quarterback in pass situations.

Crimson Tide teammates sound comfortable wherever he ends up. There isn’t a wrong answer.

“Dont’a can play any linebacker position on the field,” McClain said. “We have a lot of good recruits coming in. ... Coach Saban’s gonna put him in the best position for our team. I know he’s not gonna play anybody beside me that can’t do as good a job if not better than Dont’a.”

Defensive end Lorenzo Washington said Hightower isn’t just physically gifted.

“He’s gonna be terrorizing folks,” Washington said. “He’s a dynamic player. He’s a coach’s player. He’ll do whatever is best for the team. He doesn’t say anything at all, he just goes out there and works. You’ve got to appreciate a guy like that.”

Hightower said he doesn’t have a preference.

“I think jack’s a little bit easier than will because the majority of the time you’re pass rushing,” the sophomore from Lewisbug, Tenn., said. “It’s not easy, but it’s a little bit easier than being in the middle with all the things going around.”

He was asked if jack was maybe more fun because of the sack factor.

“I guess so because there’s a lot of things you can do at the end,” he said. “A lot of different stunts, different swim moves, things like that.”

Washington said Hightower can take advantage of his physical skills on the edge.

“He’s a playmaker. He can get in the backfield. That’s what coach Saban wants,” Washington said. “Honestly, Dont’a’s a unique athlete. He runs a 4.5, 4.6. I mean, none of the other D-linemen do that. That’s just the reality. Dont’a’s a great player. He’s still honing his skills. This is only his second year of college.”

Friday, he was back to being a freshman. Back to learning a new position.

“I played a little bit of pass rush in high school,” Hightower said. “I guess it’s like riding a bike. You always remember how to do it. ... A lot of instincts kicked in.”

Even though he emerged in last year’s training camp, Hightower knows the feeling some of the touted newcomers are going through.

“The game speed and the fact that the defensive playbook was more complex than I was used to, that took a lot of adjusting,” he said.

He was asked if he was surprised how fast he got it.

“I was, but I had a lot of help,” he said. “(Watched) a lot of film in film room with Rashad Johnson and Rolando McClain. They helped me out game by game, day by day.”

And now it’s his turn. Inside linebacker hopefuls Nico Johnson and Tana Patrick have been impressive, Hightower said.

“Those guys have the right mentality. They’re really ready to work. They’re ready to work and we’re ready to teach,” he said.

A year ago, McClain was the only linebacker with playing experience.

“I knew I’d have to step up. I was looking forward to being a contributor, but I didn’t think I’d have to come in and play right away,” he said. “But I’m glad I did, cause I have a lot of experience under my belt.”

Even if he stays inside, Hightower is confident the jack linebackers will be strong.

“I don’t think we’ll skip a beat,” he said. “Eryk Anders has done great up til now. Courtney Upshaw played a little bit last year and he can do as good a job as anybody right now. He’s big and strong. I think we’ll do just fine.”