Next season, Alabama will have a crucial defensive player returning.
On Thursday, Deontae Lawson announced that he will be returning for his junior year. On social media, the linebacker posted a picture with the message, “I’m back.”
Lawson, a five-star recruit out of Mobile, started ten games in his sophomore campaign. Throughout the 2023 season, the Butkus Award semifinalist recorded 67 tackles and three sacks.
Lawson stopped two passes in the Rose Bowl defeat to Michigan on Monday.
Lawson might have been taken in the first three or fourth rounds of the NFL Draft in 2024, according to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports. Rather, he will want to improve his prospects by having another exceptional season.
According to reports, starting safety Malachi Moore might return to campus with Lawson the following season. Some standout Crimson Tide defenders, though, made the decision to go pro.
Dallas Turner, an edge rusher, and Terrion Arnold, a cornerback, have submitted draft declarations. All of them could be selected in the first round.
Chris Braswell, a linebacker, also declared his intention to turn pro on Thursday.
“Throughout my tenure at UA, I’ve achieved my primary goals of winning a national championship and, above all, earning my degree,” Braswell posted to Instagram. I’ve made memories that will last a lifetime and built lifelong connections along the way. But this is the right moment for me to start a new chapter.”
Lawson has not yet participated in a National Championship Game, in contrast to Braswell, who took home the trophy in 2021. For the first time in the history of the College Football Playoffs, Alabama will not play for the championship.
In 2024, the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class will include three top-100 commits, and Lawson can help lead the Crimson Tide defense.
Leave a Reply