‘He’s definitely evolving’: Alabama captain dives into what has Kalen DeBoer leading the nation’s hottest team
A devastating knee injury led linebacker Deontae Lawson back to the Alabama Crimson Tide for 2025 despite his rise as a potential top 60 NFL draft pick. The defensive captain has been one of the most productive and dynamic off-ball playmakers in the country since earning the starting job in 2022, showing off versatility, range, […]
A devastating knee injury led linebacker Deontae Lawson back to the Alabama Crimson Tide for 2025 despite his rise as a potential top 60 NFL draft pick. The defensive captain has been one of the most productive and dynamic off-ball playmakers in the country since earning the starting job in 2022, showing off versatility, range, and speed on all three downs. Coming back to school wasn’t in the plans, especially after a down 2024 debut season for head coach Kalen DeBoer.
The injury changed everything. And now, Lawson is part of a resurgence for Alabama while he rehabilitates his own stock and image. The senior defender hasn’t quite played into elite form yet, but he’s part of a team that has overcome significant questions this past offseason.
Lawson credits DeBoer for a big part of that turnaround. From boosting Ty Simpson’s NFL stock from an unknown to a possible top pick, and getting top 2024 running back recruit Daniel Hill more playing time, DeBoer has been pressing all of the right buttons since Alabama’s Week 1 loss.
Deontae Lawson credits Kalen DeBoer for evolving as head coach of Alabama
Specifically, Lawson loves the energy that DeBoer is giving off. With Lawson playing for Nick Saban for a few years, it’s notable that he mentioned how DeBoer’s change in tactics was something he and the team appreciated.
“That’s Coach DeBoer for you. If you haven’t seen that emotion from the outside, now you have. That’s the Coach DeBoer that we’re getting used to. He’s definitely evolving.”
This should fire up Alabama fans. DeBoer has been excellent against ranked opponents since coming to Tuscaloosa, and has ripped off four impressive wins in a row against top 25 SEC teams. With a few more wins, Alabama will find itself in the conference title game and in position to challenge Ohio State for the crown of national champion.
