Alabama football is thin at inside linebacker to begin spring practice. The Crimson Tide is without Deontae Lawson out, and Justin Jefferson limited due to injury.

Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked Monday how UA is handling the situation, missing the players who normally wear the helmet radios on defense.

“Right now, we’re not concerned about how many are on the field, so multiple guys can hear the communication,” DeBoer said. “We’re not under those regulations in practice. It’s good for all of them to get that experience. (For games) we’ll go with the veteran guys. Deontae this fall will probably be the primary guy. Justin will be the No. 2. Both of those guys are out, so there’s a lot of stuff being thrown at some new faces on the defense when it comes to communication and the green dot.”

Linebacker isn’t the only position where Alabama is thin due to injuries. Across the board, DeBoer said the spring could be a good opportunity for young players to get reps.

The linebacker group includes several freshmen who joined the Crimson Tide during ReliaQuest Bowl practices in December. Abduall Sanders, Luke Metz and Darrell “Duke” Johnson all made the trip to Tampa.

“Really those guys being here for the pre-bowl practices, that was really good. Abduall, Luke, Duke— all three of those guys really got a feel. It’s a social thing, too, just getting comfortable with some of the relationships.

“And then they get here, and they’re already kind of off and rolling. In some ways it ain’t gonna be long, and we’re not going to think of all of these early enrollees, not as freshmen any more. We’re going to think of them as almost sophomores.”

Alabama began spring practice Monday in Tuscaloosa. Spring ball will continue through April 12, when the Crimson Tide will play the A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, which will be “modified” and won’t be televised, but offers free admission.