By: Michael Higgins

School: Alabama (Senior)

Position: LB

HT: 6’2

WT: 228 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #69

Henry To’o To’o is an athletic and speedy stand up linebacker that really burst onto the scene after he transferred from Tennessee to Alabama before the 2021 season. However, whether it be at Tennessee or Alabama, he was a main contributor to a top SEC defense. To’o To’o has speed and pursuit ability that is quite rare at the linebacker position. He is able to analyze the play and get to the ball carrier quicker than most at his position. In coverage, he is able to read the quarterback’s eyes well and determine what routes he needs to disrupt in the middle of the field. I would consider To’o To’o to be a disrupter both as a run defender as well as in pass coverage. He is able to somehow close in on the receiver to force incompletions or prevent any yards after the catch. As a smaller linebacker, he takes advantage of that frame as he has great agility, lateral quickness, and can change directions on a dime. He is truly an all around linebacker as he is also a decent pass rusher. While he may be smaller, he is extremely persistent and can be an irritant at the line of scrimmage. However, To’o To’o does have his limits due to his lack of size while playing one of the, historically, bigger positions on the field.

To’o To’o consistently gets stone walled at the line of scrimmage when trying to get through to the backfield. This isn’t due to a lack of trying, but offensive linemen are just simply stronger than him most of the time. He also needs to reign himself in and control his reactions and decision making better. Oftentimes, you will see To’o To’o seemingly overcompensating for his lack of size by pursuing the ball with extreme aggressiveness, which can put his defense in a bad spot if he isn’t where he is supposed to be. The linebacker also can be deceived by his eyes quite frequently. While his reactions are spectacular and his instincts are good for the most part, he can be deceived. Look no further than the Arkansas game in 2022, there were multiple occasions that To’o To’o bit on RPOs and was completely taken out of the play with a simply fake handoff. This comes back to control, if he can rein himself in and learn when to be persistent and aggressive, he will be a better player for it. Due to his size, he may be a better fit as a weak side linebacker, as opposed to a MIKE linebacker.

Scheme Fit: Tampa 2

Ideal Role: MIKE LB

Best Team Fits: BUF, SEA, HOU

Player Comparison: Deion Jones

Player Grade: 76.8