Best trash talkers in SEC football? Henry To’oTo’o of Alabama says Tennessee
Alabama linebacker Henry To’oTo’o doesn't have hard feelings toward Tennessee, where he started his college football career.
In fact, he praised the Vols at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday, including their verbal prowess.
To’oTo’o was asked by reporters to name the best trash talkers he faced at Alabama, and he had a clear-cut answer.
“Definitely my guys at Tennessee,” To’oTo’o told 247Sports. “They can talk some trash. Them guys at Tennessee like talking trash.”
Tennessee players had plenty to say and reasons to say it when Alabama came to Neyland Stadium in October.
To’oTo’o was a rising star at Tennessee in 2019-20. Then he transferred to Alabama in January 2021 after coach Jeremy Pruitt was fired amid an NCAA investigation into alleged recruiting violations.
In 2021, To’oTo’o and Alabama beat Tennessee 52-24 in Tuscaloosa. Before the 2022 game, To’oTo’o appeared on a hype video and said, "It ain't personal. It's just business." Tennessee players said seeing that video motivated them en route to a 52-49 win over Alabama, the Vols' first victory in the rivalry since 2006.
"Going back (to Neyland Stadium), this definitely was intense," To’oTo’o said. “The (Tennessee players) were on me, the crowd was on me, so those were one of those times where you just had to embrace it, soak it in and take it to the chin."
Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Alabama football: Henry To’o To’o says Tennessee best SEC trash talkers
