GOOD NEWS: 5 Star All-pro Linebacker Announces His Return to Tuscaloosa for Redshirt Senior Season: A Key Decision for Alabama’s Defense…

In a major development for Alabama football, linebacker Deontae Lawson announced his decision to return to Tuscaloosa for his redshirt senior season, eschewing the opportunity to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. This announcement comes as a significant boost to the Crimson Tide’s defense, as Lawson has been a standout player for the team and one of the most consistent and dependable performers in the linebacker corps. With Alabama entering a crucial 2024 campaign, Lawson’s decision to return provides stability, leadership, and experience to a defense that will be looking to maintain its place among the nation’s elite.

This decision also signals Lawson’s ambition to refine his skills, solidify his draft stock, and leave a lasting legacy at Alabama. For Nick Saban and the coaching staff, the return of Lawson represents a key pillar in a defense that has the potential to once again contend for a national championship. But beyond just the impact on the field, Lawson’s decision reflects his commitment to the Alabama program and his drive to continue improving as a player before making the jump to the NFL.

A Look at Lawson’s Career at Alabama

Deontae Lawson arrived at Alabama in 2020 as one of the most highly regarded linebacker prospects in the country. A native of Mobile, Alabama, Lawson was a four-star recruit who earned praise for his football IQ, athleticism, and ability to cover ground quickly. He didn’t take long to make an impression, getting significant playing time early in his career. By his sophomore season, Lawson was firmly entrenched as a starter, earning a reputation for being a sideline-to-sideline presence and a key player in the middle of Alabama’s defense.

Lawson’s production during his career has been impressive. He has consistently been one of the leading tacklers for the Crimson Tide, displaying a knack for finding the ball carrier and delivering decisive tackles in both the run and pass game. His ability to rush the passer and get into the backfield has also added an extra dimension to his game, making him a versatile weapon in defensive coordinator Kevin Steele’s schemes.

By 2023, Lawson had established himself as one of the leaders of Alabama’s defense, a unit that remained one of the most feared in the country. With over 80 tackles that season, Lawson was a key contributor in helping the Crimson Tide remain competitive in a tough SEC West division. His leadership and physicality were felt in critical moments, whether it was stopping the run, breaking up passes, or making crucial tackles in the open field.

Despite the strong case for entering the NFL Draft, Lawson made the decision to return to school for one more season. The timing of this decision is notable because it shows Lawson’s willingness to keep developing his skills and play for a program with championship aspirations. With the chance to further hone his craft under the guidance of Nick Saban, Lawson has a unique opportunity to elevate his game and position himself as one of the top linebackers available in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Impact of Lawson’s Return on Alabama’s Defense

Deontae Lawson’s return for his redshirt senior season is a game-changing decision for Alabama. As the Crimson Tide seeks to return to the top of college football, Lawson’s presence on the field brings continuity, leadership, and immense talent to the linebacker position. His decision to return provides a strong foundation for the defense, which will be critical for Alabama as it looks to challenge for another SEC title and College Football Playoff berth in 2024.

The Crimson Tide defense is known for its suffocating pressure and ability to disrupt offenses, and Lawson’s return will help ensure that this identity remains intact. A versatile linebacker who excels in both run support and pass coverage, Lawson can do it all. His experience allows him to read offensive formations, react to plays quickly, and make adjustments as needed. This ability to control the flow of the game will be vital for a team that will face some of the most high-powered offenses in the nation, including rivals like LSU, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Lawson’s leadership is equally important. As a redshirt senior, he is one of the more experienced players on the defense, and his return adds stability to a linebacker group that will likely include several younger players. His ability to mentor younger teammates, set the tone in practice, and serve as a vocal leader on the field will only enhance the defense’s overall performance. Having a player with Lawson’s maturity and experience will be invaluable as the Crimson Tide prepares for another grueling SEC schedule.

What Lawson Needs to Improve

While Lawson is already one of the most accomplished linebackers in college football, his return to Alabama provides him with a final opportunity to refine certain aspects of his game in preparation for the NFL. Lawson has the physical tools to succeed at the next level, but there are still areas in which he can improve to make himself an even more attractive prospect for NFL teams.

One area where Lawson can improve is in his consistency as a tackler. Although he has been effective at wrapping up ball carriers, there are moments when he has missed tackles or failed to bring down elusive running backs in space. To succeed at the next level, it will be crucial for Lawson to tighten up his fundamentals and ensure that he can finish every play with precision. This will be an area of focus for him in 2024 as he continues to develop.

Another area where Lawson can grow is in his pass coverage, particularly against fast and dynamic running backs and tight ends. While he has shown the ability to cover in zone defense, his individual matchups with elite pass-catchers in the SEC will be an important test of his skills. Improving his ability to track and cover running backs out of the backfield or tight ends in one-on-one situations will be crucial for Lawson’s development, as NFL teams are increasingly looking for linebackers who can excel in coverage.

Finally, Lawson will benefit from continuing to refine his pass-rushing technique. While he has shown the ability to get after the quarterback on occasion, developing a more consistent pass-rush arsenal will help make him a more complete linebacker and a more dangerous asset on defense.

A Legacy of Leadership and Excellence

Deontae Lawson’s decision to return for his redshirt senior season speaks volumes about his character, leadership, and commitment to the Alabama program. Lawson could have easily opted for the NFL Draft, where he was projected to be a mid-round pick, but instead, he chose to return and build upon what he has already accomplished in his college career. This decision highlights Lawson’s desire to finish what he started at Alabama—to leave a lasting legacy as one of the program’s all-time great linebackers while also positioning himself for future success at the next level.

For Alabama, Lawson’s return is a crucial piece in the puzzle as the Crimson Tide looks to contend for a national championship in 2024. His leadership, versatility, and playmaking ability will be critical for a defense that is eager to regain its place as the nation’s top unit. With Lawson anchoring the linebacker corps, Alabama has one of the most well-rounded and experienced defenders in college football.

As Lawson prepares for his final season at Alabama, there is little doubt that he will continue to be a driving force for the Crimson Tide’s defense. Whether it’s stopping the run, covering passes, or making key tackles in the open field, Lawson’s presence will be felt all season long. In the end, his decision to return to Tuscaloosa for his redshirt senior season could be the difference-maker for Alabama as it strives for another championship run in 2024.