Alabama’s Dont’a Hightower likes the 2011 Tide defense

Watch Alabama’s Dont’a Hightower at SEC Media Days 2011

Alabama’s Dont’a Hightower offered a strong endorsement for this year’s Alabama Crimson Tide defense.

“We have one of the most athletic defenses that’s been through Alabama,” Hightower said. “Last year, we lacked the speed part, getting after the quarterback. This year, I think it’s what our defense is about, getting after the quarterback. Last year, losing that one or two seconds, or giving the quarterback that extra time, that made a big difference. If we can get there faster, that relieves pressure off the defensive backs.”

Pressuring the quarterback is something that Hightower loves to do.

“One of my favorite things to do is to blitz or come off the edge as a defensive end,” Hightower said. “It’s more instinctive, less responsibility. It’s about ability more than technique, you can go out and have fun.”

And Hightower now believes he is getting out of a slump following his “major” knee surgery.

“The only time I felt maybe 100 percent was against Michigan State,” Hightower said. “In the A-Day game, I think I went out and set the tone, let people know that last year was a slump, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. They say after major knee surgery, the second year is when you pick it up. I’m still going to rehab and therapy for it, but I’ll be ready to go when the season starts.”