Alabama football’s linebacker, Deontae Lawson believes Kalen DeBoer has officially implemented his fingerprints on the entire Crimson Tide program.
The veteran linebacker understands things might have been a bit of a challenge for DeBoer in 2024 after he had to replace Nick Saban.
“Coach DeBoer had his battles last year, replacing a legend like Coach (Nick) Saban in the middle of the transfer portal, and it was hard to implement everything the way he wanted,” Lawson said, per ESPN’s Chris Low.
Lawson sees a new DeBoer ahead of year two. Things are different in Tuscaloosa, according the Alabama native.
“It was kind of hard for him to come in and be the bad cop or whatever last year,” Lawson said. “He’s still laid back and still wants the players to lead, but his fingerprints are on everything now — and he’s made it known that you better be locked in.”
Alabama football finished the 2024 season 9-4. This was a very unfamiliar feeling for the Alabama faithful, and it was something Lawson saw DeBoer take full responsibility for.
“That’s not the standard here, and we all know it,” Lawson said. “But you go back and look at the way Coach DeBoer handled it. He wasn’t pointing the finger at anybody else. He took it all on himself, and I think what you see now is everybody has bought in. We’re one.”
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