Deontae Lawson, LB for Alabama, Welcomes the New Era.
A leader on defense for Alabama is looking forward to the next era of Crimson Tide football.
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — The alteration of linebacker Deontae Lawson’s jersey number was one of the numerous recent alterations pertaining to the Alabama football team. The defensive captain and redshirt junior changed his number from 32 to 0 to become the first player in Crimson Tide history to wear that particular jersey.
Players have only been able to wear a zero standing on their shirts since 2020. The number represents beginning anew for Lawson, who stayed in Tuscaloosa in the hopes of winning a national title. “We just gotta work harder this year and get it done,” he stated.
“I won’t be changing; I’m just going to be myself,” Lawson declared. “It’s basically a fresh start for me. I’m just going to be myself and watch.” Although he feels it looks good on him, being himself is what really matters to him.
As the spring approaches and the first season under new head coach Kalen DeBoer approaches, Lawson lists his personal goal as becoming a more assertive leader. His leadership role hasn’t evolved significantly in response to the new system. “I’m just here more, being with coaches more, bringing other guys with me, and just, same thing I’ve always been doing,” he stated. “Leading by example.
Lawson has pleased defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, who also has ties to the Mobile, Alabama, area. “Deontae is a great young man who carries himself with a great presence,” Wommack stated. “I witnessed a different Deontae Lawson when he on the field. one with whom I’m eager to play on the field. From that perspective, I always believe that our linebacker room will set the standard for how we operate.” Lawson is a player who Wommack mentioned as having been performing at a high level.
Despite missing three games due to injury, he made 11 starts in 2023 and was second on the squad in tackles. He recorded many bouts with double-digit tackles. Lawson desires to play quickly and create plays. According to him, DeBoer is all about setting athletes up for success. “He moves around all the time, even during practice, he’s on the defensive side,” Lawson stated. “He’s a team coach.” Regarding Wommack, Lawson stated that a defense needs a high-energy player as its coordinator.
It was nice for Lawson and his teammates to finally start getting back into things on the gridiron after so many significant program changes. After all, the new era must begin somewhere. It’s nothing like it, he declared emphatically.
Will Miller is a University of Alabama senior. He has covered a variety of Crimson Tide sports in the past, such as soccer, baseball, football, basketball, gymnastics, and baseball. He is a freelance UFC interviewer in addition to having joined Bama Central in the spring of 2024.
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