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Transfer Alabama linebacker is ‘being a baller’ in spring practice, per Kalen DeBoer

Originally posted on Touchdown Alabama Magazine
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 1:29 PM ET

An alpha personality currently sits on Alabama’s defense roster in Yhonzae Pierre, but another intense player has emerged in spring practice.

Kalen DeBoer and Kane Wommack see him as a ‘captain-type guy’ and a leader; however, DeBoer highlighted this transfer again following the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage. Caleb Woodson, a former Virginia Tech star, has been exactly what the Tide needed at inside linebacker coming from the NCAA transfer portal. He’s made a seamless transition to Tuscaloosa (Ala.) in the weight room and on the field. The 6-foot-3, 238-pounder stood out during the first game-like practice.

Image | Source: Touchdown Alabama

Aug 31, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) fumbles the ball after being hit by Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Caleb Woodson (20) during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

DeBoer said Woodson’s ‘veteran presence’ has been effective.

“Caleb has come in and you can see that he has been on the football field,” DeBoer said.

“He has taken a lot of snaps. He is out there and the schemes are not too fast for him. He has picked those up and it allows him to go punch the ball out and cause chaos. He is being the baller that we expected to get when we brought him in.”

This is huge for an Alabama defense that graduated Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green to the NFL Draft.

Woodson totaled 152 career tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three pass breakups, and an interception through 35 games for the Hokies.

This article first appeared on Touchdown Alabama Magazine and was syndicated with permission.

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