Alabama named three new team captains earlier this week. In addition to returning captain Deontae Lawson, the Crimson Tide announced quarterback Ty Simpson, offensive lineman Parker Brailsford and defensive lineman Tim Keenan III as the other three who will be joining Lawson for the pregame coin tosses this season.

When Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer addressed the media on Thursday, he was asked about those latest additions. Below, we highlight what he said about each of them.

DeBoer on Simpson…

“He was vocal even before he was named the starter. I appreciate that about him. I think, again, that room did a great job of not making one guy or the other feel like they couldn’t step up and say things. Ty has continued to do that. He’s invested a lot of time into this program. It means a lot to him.

“Now, when he’s been named the quarterback, he’s taken it to another level and just put himself out there front and center. It’s not something that is just like, ‘OK, I’ve got to do this.’ He wants to do it. He feels natural in that position. I’m certainly proud of him. I think the team voting him a captain certainly represents how they feel about him, as well.”

Our take: You love to hear about Simpson being a vocal leader, even before he was named the starter. We’ve heard all offseason about the redshirt junior taking more of a leadership role and not being afraid to hold himself and his teammates accountable. Not only that, but he brings that gritty style of play that’s infectious to the rest of your team. I’m excited to see how he looks in his first real game action as a starter.

DeBoer on Brailsford…

“Parker, I tell you what, I really pretty much could have guessed he would have been a captain. Just the way he’s been as a leader and it starts with his leading by example. It’s really cool seeing a guy like Parker in particular step up vocally. See his growth. I’ve had a chance to see it now going on these four years. It means a lot to me just knowing our journey together that he’s continued to keep fighting, keep believing.

“The guys just really respect him. When he says something, it comes from here. He lives it every single day. It’s easy for him to speak up because it’s not something that’s hypocritical. They all listen. Proud of him for sure.”

Our take: Brailsford is the only captain who hasn’t spent his entire career at Alabama, as he played his first two years under DeBoer at Washington. With that being said, he’s more than earned this title with the way he’s performed and his leadership. After losing Tyler Booker to the NFL, the Crimson Tide needed another vocal leader along its offensive line, and there’s been at least two of them in Brailsford and Proctor.

DeBoer on Keenan…

“Tim Keenan, first of all, just a guy who’s been here so long. Heart and soul type of guy type of guy in the program. Big brother to the younger guys. I know they feel like they can go to him and he’s going to shoot them straight. And then just the work ethic and the journey he’s been on. I didn’t really probably understand his journey until we got into the year last year.

“Understanding where he started out and how far he’s come along and what he’s doing for us for now, it’s really cool to see. It’s important to him. Heard each guy address the team just for a couple seconds. He doesn’t take it for granted, and he appreciates that.”

Our take: Keenan has been a vocal leader for a while now, so it’s nice to see him finally earning this type of recognition for his efforts. He could’ve left for the NFL after a strong first season as a starter, but elected to return to help lead Alabama’s defensive line. His presence is critical too, as he’s widely considered one of — if not — the best run-stoppers on the team. Being an instate product, Keenan is the type of Alabama lifer that’s become more of a rarity in today’s college football.