With Nick Saban leaving the Alabama Crimson Tide, several key players have followed suit. The fate of Alabama lay in uncertain hands as 25 players including Caleb Downs and Kadyn Proctor announced their decision to enter the transfer portal. But all is not lost! 

Star linebacker Deontae Lawson’s commitment to Alabama is unshakable, with or without Nick Saban. The 6’2, 230-pound athlete has previously made it known that he’ll be returning with the Crimson Tides for the 2024 season. “Nothing to be said. I’m back,” he posted on his social media. And after the team lost more players even before new HC Kalen DeBoer settled in, Lawson had something interesting to say about the turn of events. 

Deontae Lawson believes in Alabama and Kalen DeBoer 

In a recent Twitter post by SPG, Deontae Lawson’s commitment to Alabama is showcased in his statement. The certified Alabama legend said, “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.” 

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“We know what we can accomplish and know he’s won everywhere he’s been,” the star LB said. Nick Saban’s new replacement Kalen DeBoer is a noteworthy figure who served as an HC, notably for Sioux Falls from 2005-2009. Within that time frame, he led his team to three NAIA Championships as well as a Pac-12 Championship in 2023 as Washington HC.

Perhaps Alabama’s lineup looks quite different with over 20 players leaving the team, but with DeBoer’s successful career as a HC, Lawson may be right in urging his fellow players to believe in their new HC. 

Alabama loses 25 players with Caleb Downs’ latest transfer announcement

Alabama’s most recent transfer announcement came from the SEC Freshman of the Year. Caleb Downs posted 107 tackles and 2 interceptions in the 2023 season. His transfer decision left Bama fans in utter dismay as their roster keeps dwindling. 

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Starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor also declared his decision to enter the transfer portal. He was the No. 1 OT and No. 5 overall player in the 2023 class. It’s such a heartbreaking loss for fans to digest because, in addition to these two-star players, other notable athletes like Isaiah Bond, Roydell Williams, and Dezz Ricks have also announced their decision to leave the Crimson Tide.

As of now, the future of Alabama hangs in suspense. But hopefully, Coach DeBoer will be able to prove naysayers wrong by upholding the Alabama legacy that Nick Saban left behind. 

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