Kalen DeBoer has an opportunity to coach two massive defensive leaders who have remained committed to Alabama football.

Deontae Lawson, a native of Mobile, Ala., is one of the leaders.

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He arrived as a four-star linebacker in the Crimson Tide's 2021 recruiting class. Lawson missed a couple of games because of injuries in 2023, but he finished the season ranked second for total team tackles (67). He turned in 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four quarterback hurries, and four pass breakups. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder propelled Alabama's defense to a Southeastern Conference Championship victory and a berth in the College Football League.

Lawson and the Tide came close to defeating Michigan in the Rose Bowl and playing for a CFP National Championship. He is hungry to return to the postseason stage and finish the job, but Lawson has a message for the players who chose to leave the Tide via the NCAA transfer portal.

roll with us or get rolled over 🤷🏾‍♂️ DOA pic.twitter.com/2Wk3MxJi1t

— Deontae Lawson (@deontae_32) January 19, 2024

He anchors a unit that's locked in to Coach DeBoer and his staff.

Lawson is ready to go war and get back to winning national titles.

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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.