Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is recruiting talent for the Crimson Tide, but he also produced three first-round picks Thursday night in the NFL Draft.
DeBoer coached Michael Penix Jr. (quarterback), Rome Odunze (wide receiver), and Troy Fautanu (offensive tackle) at the University of Washington.
He guided Penix to be a two-time 4,000+ yard passer and a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2023.
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Odunze was a two-time 1,000+ yard wide receiver, and Fautanu was a strong lineman.
All three players assisted the Huskies to a Pac-12 Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game last season. DeBoer had Penix go at No. 8 overall (Atlanta Falcons), Odunze at No. 9 overall (Chicago Bears), and Fautanu at No. 20 overall (Pittsburgh Steelers).Odunze was a two-time 1,000+ yard wide receiver, and Fautanu was a strong lineman.
All three players assisted the Huskies to a Pac-12 Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game last season.
DeBoer had Penix go at No. 8 overall (Atlanta Falcons), Odunze at No. 9 overall (Chicago Bears), and Fautanu at No. 20 overall (Pittsburgh Steelers).
This is huge for Alabama because it means DeBoer will continue the success of putting Tide players in the first round.
He has an opportunity to mold names such as Jalen Milroe, Tyler Booker, Jaeden Roberts, Deontae Lawson, Keon Sabb, Germie Bernard, and Malachi Moore into first-rounders for 2025.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
