Kalen DeBoer Outshines Master Recruiter Nick Saban in Recruitment Battle by Setting an “Unprecedented” Record

Looks like Kalen DeBoer is putting an end to the “can’t recruit like Nick Saban” critique already! It’s been only six months since the former Washington head coach took the helm of the Crimson Tide, and while it might be too early to say definitively, Coach DeBoer’s recruiting strategy for Alabama has been nothing short of stellar. According to reports from various sources, DeBoer has managed to bring back five-star prospect Kadyn Proctor, who transferred to Iowa after Nick Saban retired and has now returned to Alabama.

In addition to Proctor, DeBoer has flipped other key players back to Alabama, including Keelon Russell, Chuck McDonald, Michael Carroll, and Mal Waldrep. Moreover, top prospects like Michigan State’s three-star Geno VanDeMark, Penn State’s four-star Kin’ Mack, Washington’s four-star Austin Mack, and Michigan safety Keon Sabb have also committed to the Crimson Tide. The list of commitments is growing longer with each passing week. Therefore, considering the current recruiting spree of Alabama’s new head coach, analysts can see that DeBoer is already outshining Nick Saban.

It is fair to say it is too early to determine if Kalen DeBoer can surpass Nick Saban’s 17-season-long recruiting record, during which Alabama secured 73 five-star recruits and 262 four-star recruits across 16 full cycles. However, in today’s NIL era, student-athletes are often driven more by financial incentives than their passion for the game itself, and making immediate commitments after campus visits is rare. So, how is DeBoer managing to secure commitments so quickly after the first visits? Tim Watts of Bama Online seems to have a convincing explanation.

In his interview with Josh Newberg of On3, Watts explained why DeBoer and his staff are seeing immediate results. According to Watts, DeBoer’s recruiting success hinges on three primary methods: effort, frequent visits, and building relationships. Watts notes that the current Alabama recruiting staff puts in significantly more effort than during Saban’s tenure. The process starts early, with a high volume and “unprecedented amount” of unofficial visits in the spring and ensuring all top targets visit the campus. “We looked up a week before spring was over, and they had basically had all their top targets on campus,” said Watts. “So it started there, working the phones, and building those relationships.”

Additionally, the Alabama staff under coach DeBoer emphasizes building strong relationships not only with the recruits but also with their parents, coaches, and mentors. This comprehensive approach helps get everyone involved on board with the program. “I think they do a really good job of not only working with the kid but getting everybody on board,” added Watts. Moreover, the most unique aspect of Kalen DeBoer’s recruiting strategy is leveraging his connections from his time with the Washington Huskies to recruit for Alabama.

Kalen DеBoеr unitеs with Michaеl Pеnix Jr. to rеcruit for thе Tidе

DeBoer’s former star QB, Michael Penix Jr., who was one of the standout players of the 2023 class, recently showed up at Alabama to assist his former coach, by interacting with the recruits. Penix Jr. and DeBoer spent two successful years together at Washington, where DeBoer was the head coach and Penix reached the heights of his success through a stellar 2024 NFL draft.

Although Penix is now with the Atlanta Falcons, he didn’t hesitate to support his former coach. This gesture demonstrates the strong dynamic between the two. Penix was seen taking pictures with several players and promoting the Alabama program, which will undoubtedly raise interest among potential prospects the team is targeting.

With this kind of support, DeBoer is ensuring that the recruitment process is top-notch and effectively countering critics’ claims of his incompetence.