They say firsts are always special, but Kalen DeBoer would probably disagree. When he took the Alabama job last year, the only thing that rolled in with the Tide was criticism. Fans hammered him for inconsistency, especially after losses to Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. Sure, the team looked off—but DeBoer walked into a brand-new system with a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
But now, as the 2021 season approaches, DeBoer is ready to prove his doubters wrong. In a recent press conference, he announced the timeline for the highly anticipated decisions of two top recruits, Ty Simpson and Keelon Russell. And with a strong message about the quarterback position, DeBoer is setting the tone for a successful season.
First up is Ty Simpson, the highly sought-after quarterback from Tennessee. Simpson is a 6’2″ dual-threat quarterback with a cannon for an arm and the ability to make plays with his feet. He has received offers from top programs such as Clemson, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, but it seems like Alabama is the front-runner for his commitment.
DeBoer announced that Simpson will be making his decision on February 19th, just a few days before National Signing Day. This is a crucial decision for both Simpson and Alabama, as the Crimson Tide are in need of a top quarterback to lead their offense. And with DeBoer’s track record of developing quarterbacks, it’s no surprise that Simpson is seriously considering Alabama.
But DeBoer’s announcement didn’t stop there. He also gave an update on the recruitment of Keelon Russell, a four-star wide receiver from Louisiana. Russell is a speedy and elusive receiver who can make big plays down the field. He has offers from top programs such as LSU, Georgia, and Florida, but it seems like Alabama is in the lead for his commitment as well.
DeBoer revealed that Russell will be making his decision on March 3rd, giving Alabama another top recruit to add to their already impressive class. With the departure of star receiver DeVonta Smith, the Crimson Tide are in need of a playmaker at the wide receiver position. And with DeBoer’s offensive system, Russell could thrive and become the next great receiver at Alabama.
But it wasn’t just about the recruits. DeBoer also had a strong message about the quarterback position at Alabama. With the departure of Mac Jones to the NFL, there is a competition for the starting quarterback spot. DeBoer made it clear that the best player will earn the starting job, regardless of their experience or star rating.
This is a refreshing mindset, as it shows that DeBoer is not afraid to shake things up and give everyone a fair chance. It also puts pressure on the quarterbacks to perform at their best, knowing that the starting job is not guaranteed to anyone. This competition will only make the team better and push the quarterbacks to reach their full potential.
DeBoer’s announcement has brought a sense of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. With the decisions of Simpson and Russell looming and the quarterback competition heating up, Alabama fans have a lot to look forward to. And with DeBoer at the helm, there is no doubt that the Crimson Tide will continue their winning ways.
So, let’s not judge DeBoer based on his first year at Alabama. He walked into a challenging situation and has already made significant strides in recruiting and developing players. With his strong message and determination to succeed, DeBoer is ready to lead Alabama to another successful season. And who knows, maybe this year’s firsts will turn out to be special after all. Roll Tide!
