The University of Alabama has a special group of young men that Kalen DeBoer gets to coach in football.
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Many of them could have pursued the NCAA transfer portal after Nick Saban announced his retirement on Jan. 10, but they remained with the program. These players wanted to see what Coach DeBoer offered, and they have an opportunity to make DeBoer a national champion in his first year at Alabama. The 49-year-old is a man of faith, family, and football and players have embraced all levels of his personality. Three athletes, including a quarterback, receive a unique leadership award Sunday from Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Ty Simpson, Justice Haynes, and a third student-athlete for the Tide accepted the Charlie Compton Award for Outstanding Christian Leadership. Compton, a former Alabama player in 1942 and 1946-47, served the United States of America in World War II and became a hero. He died after serving 22 years as a Missionary to Brazil.
Very proud to see this ! @ty_simpson06 pic.twitter.com/HYmht2IIz8
— Jason Simpson (@Coach_JSimpson) August 18, 2024
DeBoer values the faith of his players, especially when going through difficult times. Any one of them could have taken the easy way out, but they valued their commitment to Crimson Tide football. Alabama has its first matchup of the season in 12 days against Western Kentucky at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Fans are ready to see Simpson, Haynes, and the team have success this fall.
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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.
