Kalen DeBoer never overlooks anyone, and former Alabama players are the same way.
This edition of the Crimson Tide opens its season Saturday against Western Kentucky at 6 p.m. CT inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
After experience 17 incredible years under Nick Saban, the DeBoer era begins. One of the greatest wide receivers in Alabama football history had a fiery message for the team. D.J. Hall played in the Mike Shula era and started off with Saban in 2007.
RELATED: Kalen DeBoer excited to create his own legacy in Alabama football
He ranks fourth all-time in school history for receptions (194), third for receiving yards (2,923), and tied for seventh in touchdown catches (17). Hall remembers a 14-21 loss Alabama suffered in ’07 at Bryant-Denny Stadium to Louisiana-Monroe because the Tide did not take the program seriously. He wants the Tide locked in on the Hilltoppers and shared that passion Tuesday via The Bama Standard.
“Do not sleep on them,” Hall said about Western Kentucky.
“I don’t know where they are from now, but back then a lot of them boys were actually from Kentucky. Listen, they were hitting hard. I am talking about hard, back when you was allowed to get hit without even catching the ball. Do not overlook them because I come from the Louisiana-Monroe. I know what it feels like. You have to treat every team like you hate them. Just beat the s*** out of them, excuse my language, but you have to beat the s*** out of them. We got to get them out the way.”
Pure passion from Hall as he wants his Alma mater to dominate this weekend.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
