The first week of the Kalen DeBoer era has not come without trials and tribulations.
As the extra 30-day portal window continues to pluck players from the roster, battle lines are being drawn as to who is going to leave, and who is going to be a part of the new era of Crimson Tide football.
But for star linebacker and Mobile native Deontae Lawson, staying at Alabama is the only choice.
“We’ve had some guys leave and wish them well, but that doesn’t change the standard at Alabama or our belief that Coach DeBoer is going to lead us where we want to be, winning championships,” Lawson said.
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“We know what we can accomplish and know he’s won everywhere he’s been. We’re going to keep this thing going. It’s going to be a wonderful story, and we’re ready to embrace it.”
Lawson’s fellow linebacker Jihaad Campbell posted a video on Monday with the caption “BAMA FOR LIFE” — indicating that inside linebacker is one position that new head coach Kalen DeBoer will not have to worry about replacing:
BAMA FOR LIFE🤞🏽🐘 pic.twitter.com/vLTKliUVbL
— Jihaad Campbell (@RealJihaadC) January 15, 2024
As Alabama moves into its next era, having leaders like Lawson and Campbell is going to be absolutely critical.
With all of the bad news the program has received over the last week, Bama fans can take solace in the fact that two of its most important defenders, and leaders, will be back.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
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