He has been genuine at every coaching stop in his college career, and the athletes at the University of Alabama are seeing it.
Some players jumped shipped to the NCAA transfer portal when Kalen DeBoer was selected to replace Nick Saban.
They felt like it was a business decision to go elsewhere, but multiple leaders on Alabama’s current roster have stayed put and are listening to DeBoer’s vision. He met with the team last week upon his arrival to Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Regional Airport as the program’s new head coach. Leaders such as Malachi Moore, Jalen Milroe, and Tyler Booker like DeBoer already.
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DeVonta Smith, a veteran defensive back, did not mince words with Aaron Suttles of “Yea Alabama” when stating his opinion of the players that left the Tide upon DeBoer becoming the successor to Saban.
“He’s a cool dude,” Smith said about DeBoer. “He met with me for two hours and it wasn’t just about football. He wants to get to know us. Any of these cats that are thinking about leaving need to meet with him.”
Smith continued with, “if they still want to leave …. we don’t need them.”
Passionate words from an experienced player in the secondary buying into the new era. An injury limited Smith to four games in 2023, but he helped the Crimson Tide secure a Southeastern Conference Championship.
He is expected to be a starting safety in the spring.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
