Since the 2024 season, the former Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer has been under spotlight. If we go back to the days when Nick Saban announced his retirement, Alabama was wondering who would be the right replacement for Saban. The name itself holds a lot of emotions, and filling the big shoes was not everyone’s cup of tea. However, DeBoer, who guided the Huskies to qualify for the 2023 College Football Playoff as the #2 seed, was announced as the new head coach of Alabama.

DeBoer led the Huskies to a 10-2 regular season record. Similarly, he had a good start with the Tide. After seven weeks, he is no stranger to the pressures that come with leadership in college football. As he navigates his first season, he has faced both praise and criticism. We understand that continuing the long 17-year college is not going to be easy, but someone had to step in and take the challenge. Fortunately for DeBoer, he has some players helping him in the locker room, and he praised one such personality in a latest video, saying, “We’re talking about a captain here.”

Crimson Tide Sport’s Network shared DeBoer’s video, saying he appreciated Deontae Lawson and shed light on his leadership qualities. “Deontae here and there’s it’s certainly understandable. You know, you can tell very quickly when you know, in my case, came into the program, who those guys were, whether it’s on each side of the ba-l or just in general. And he is a guy that isn’t out there vocally, just loud and full of everything you know that you see from someone. You can tell he speaks very well. He’s very articulate.” Lawson looks like a sweet guy; HC adoring him is not new for the team. The player’s dedication to improving himself and the team is visible through his performance.

DeBoer further highlighted the positive energy Deontae brings to Alabama football. “But you know that that energy, I think, is seen through his play, and our guys know it’s happening. It happens each and every day, whether it’s in the weight room, in his preparation. He’s poured everything that he has into this program.” HC added, “I can promise you that I see it every day on the practice field, and it’s great having number zero out there.” 

One thing that sets the linebacker apart from others is that now he has earpieces, which allow him to receive real-time instructions from the coaching staff during practices and games. “I think one thing that’s interesting and different this year, you know, he’s got that earpiece in his head. I can’t imagine, you know, having another voice, right, and then how to echo it. Along with that, comes a lot of energy in communicating with everyone around you and getting the communication started that’s going through just your earpiece and everyone counting on you to get, you get that information to them.”

DeBoer badly needed someone he could lean on. The past few weeks were not at all easy for him. Moving forward now, the HC can concentrate on many more things, like implementing his vision, as he has Deontae, who will help him manage day-to-day operations.

Deontae Lawson shines in Alabama’s win over Georgia

After back-to-back four victories, Alabama Crimson Tide also defeated Kirby Smart’s team in week 5. Tide celebrated not only their victory and overall performance but also the success of linebacker Deontae Lawson. He was named the Lott IMPACT® Trophy Player of the Week for week 5 of the 2024 college football season.

Fans enjoyed the most highly anticipated game, and Lawson’s honor gave them more reasons to celebrate. Lawson had a standout game, making 10 tackles, with 7 of them being solo. He made two sacks, which led Alabama to a 41-34 victory.

Did you know Lawson ranks as the team’s second-leading tackler this season? His love for Alabama is something else. Last year, he had the chance to enter the NFL Draft following an impressive season and his performance in the Rose Bowl. The linebacker opted to return to Tide and chase his dream to win a national championship.