Alabama’s tricky situation continued even after their loss to Vandy, as Kalen DeBoer and the team suffered an embarrassing defeat against Tennessee last week. This loss became one of the biggest nightmares of DeBoer’s life as he was trolled back and forth for his coaching techniques and candidature with the team. Despite everything, Bama’s head coach remains committed to recruiting talented players for his team, but it looks like even this is not an easy nut to crack.

On October 24th, recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman took to his Instagram handle to share a recent update on Kalen DeBoer flip targets and high school players who are visiting the campus, saying, “Alabama is ready to roll this weekend with a star-studded group of recruits expected in the Capstone, including some blue-chippers along the OL and DL, Auburn flip targets, and elite underclassmen.”

However, the spotlight is on Sparkman’s three-star prospect and weakside defensive end, Jamarion Matthews. He has plans to visit not only Alabama but also their rival teams, the Ole Miss and Auburn Tigers. It seems that DeBoer is facing a tough challenge with this potential flip target, which is adding fuel to the rivalry competition. 

The freshman player has plans to visit Bama on October 26, followed by the Rebels on November 9 and the Tigers on November 23. However, a big question arises: what if Jamarion changes his mind after visiting the Crimson Tide, considering he already has two other universities to consider? This situation doesn’t align with DeBoer’s plan.

Well, apart from Jamarion Matthews, Kalen DeBoer and the team also have a long list of high school visitors. Making the flip game even more interesting because of Auburn’s committed players visiting them. Chilling right? Starting from Thompson’s 4-star safety player Anquon Fegans and Ravenwood cornerback and 3-star prospect Donovan Starr, who has already given their assurance to the Auburn Tigers. Let’s see how DeBoer plays his cards. But for now, let’s see if the doubts raised about DeBoer have any reality, as it looks like he is the sole reason for attracting high school players to the team.

Kalen DeBoer a myth or reality

Despite the uncertainties surrounding Kalen DeBoer and his team’s declining performance this season, many high school players still have great faith in him. Even before the start of the season, DeBoer is successfully changing young high-school players’ minds. In July, Duncanville’s four-star prospect and quarterback Keelon Russell flipped his commitment from SMU to Alabama Crimson Tide.

And don’t be surprised to know the reason. It’s all because of Kalen DeBoer. Keelon said, “My biggest thing was development” and also highlighted what Kalen DeBoer did for Michael Penix and Washington’s offense last year. Yet people doubt his caliber.

Even Mission Viejo’s five-star prospect and cornerback Dijon Lee pledged to Alabama over other high-end programs like Texas and Georgia. And the reason is again the same: Lee expressed his desire to play for the best program and mentioned that he had a great relationship with the coaches.

Kalen DeBoer possesses a keen understanding of building a formidable team. Even in the current season, he is giving his all to lead his team to the playoffs, despite facing numerous challenges. It will be interesting to observe how his recruiting and coaching abilities propel him to greater heights in both high school and college football.