For Red Morgan, Alabama’s freshman defensive back, his first day with the Crimson Tide was anything but normal. We all anticipate getting motivated by the head coach if not a few strong words to encourage players for the season. However, things got out of hand, especially when the legend Nick Saban entered the building. Instead of getting the troops ready for action, Saban decided to shock everyone by announcing that he was planning to retire.

Morgan was stunned. “First day, first meeting with Saban, I’m like, he’s gonna come and give us a little pep talk,” Red narrated to Sidelines – Bama podcast via TheNewWaveShow. “Then he came and said he retired I don’t know what was going on through my head, but I was thinking about leaving the team.”

He wasn’t the only one feeling that way. These revelations affected everyone severely. Alabama had crafted a dynasty with the help of Saban, and the idea of a world without him was just scary. “I mean, like that was for everyone, though, man,” Red said. It put him in an awkward position and left him with doubt as to what his next step should be.

Despite the thoughts that ran through the head, Red Morgan stayed. What helped? The arrival of Kalen DeBoer. With De Boer coming in, there was plenty for Red to look forward to, and he opted to stay put. He got an opportunity to try to do better under new management. The future is that clear for this young talent. Saban left a void that needed to be filled by Kalen DeBoer, and despite an iffy Week 2, it has been a decent rise for the Tide so far. 

Red Morgan’s journey and Alabama’s defense

The 6’0”, 186-pound freshman has made some great plays in the games he’s played this year. So far, he has contributed five solo tackles and one pass deflection. DeBoer’s leadership is different. While Saban is more known for the military type of training, DeBoer is more friendly and easygoing, and this has been a very big improvement for the team. But do not pump your breaks thinking that Alabama’s defense has gotten weaker. DeBoer expects no let-up, and in fact, at this rate, things are only getting even better.

Alabama’s defense has been very fluid, and Morgan has been part of making that happen. They crushed Western Kentucky 63-0 and allowed only 10 points to Wisconsin: that proves that DeBoer’s method prevails. And Red Morgan, a guy who nearly skipped town before the season got underway, becomes part of a defense that may well be in shouting range of the championship this year.

DeBoer’s adventurous tactics and reliance on defense have really proved bank. Against Wisconsin, with 36 seconds to go until the half ended, rather than take the conservative approach, DeBoer went for it. His offense made two successful ‘concerned’ plays for a touchdown, the game-changing plays. This aggressive mentality is also beginning to spread to the defense. They are no longer just out to play so as not to lose; they are out to win.

And though Saban’s presence is still felt in Tuscaloosa to this day for players like Red Morgan, they are winning under DeBoer. Of course, a bigger test awaits the team in their next game against Georgia after their bye week. It’s all to play for: legacy, playoff odds, ranking! Can DeBoer’s boys prevail? We will have to wait and watch. 

If you want to know more about college football, please watch this ES Think Tank episode with Doug Sanders.