To’oTo’o spells trouble for ball carriers
Henry To’oTo’o is a headline writer’s worst nightmare.
Ball carriers don’t much like the Alabama linebacker, either.
A true old-fashioned, old-school smashmouther, To’oTo’o (for the record, it’s TOEoh-TOE-oh) has off-the-charts instincts and explosiveness. Those traits allow the 6-foot1-inch, 227-pounder to get the jump on plays — and on the guy with the ball.
A California prep legend, as a senior To’oTo’o led De La Salle High to a 12-1 record as a standout linebacker (76 tackles) and running back (489 yards). The Spartans’ lone loss came in the state title game, in which To’oTo’o played despite a broken foot.
To’oTo’o continued his destructive ways at Tennessee, where in 2019 he became the first true freshman to start a game for the Vols since 2011. He was named a freshman All-American after collecting 72 tackles.
He followed that with a 76-tackle campaign before deciding to transfer after Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt was dismissed.
To’oTo’o landed in Tuscaloosa — not a bad place for an emerging star — where he teamed with Will Anderson Jr. to form one of the best 1-2 punches in the country.
To’oTo’o led Alabama with 112 tackles in 2021 en route to a second-team All-SEC selection. He followed that up with 94 tackles and a first team All-SEC nod last season.
As the Mike linebacker, To’oTo’o was responsible for making the calls for the Crimson Tide’s varied defensive looks. It was a job he handled with aplomb, according to his coach.
“Henry is one of those guys that gets it. He sees it almost like a coach,” Nick Saban told reporters last season. “He’s a great communicator, so I think he makes calls up front that really makes the other part of the front seven feel more comfortable and confident in what they’re doing and how we can execute together as a group.”
The Patriots preach the importance of communication on defense, and To’oTo’o, who is projected as a middle-round pick, could provide an infusion of youth to build nice depth in the middle of the second level behind Ja’Whaun Bentley and Raekwon McMillan.