Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is recruiting talent for the Crimson Tide, but he also produced three first-round picks Thursday night in the NFL Draft.

DeBoer coached Michael Penix Jr. (quarterback), Rome Odunze (wide receiver), and Troy Fautanu (offensive tackle) at the University of Washington.

He guided Penix to be a two-time 4,000+ yard passer and a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2023.

Odunze was a two-time 1,000+ yard wide receiver, and Fautanu was a strong lineman.

All three players assisted the Huskies to a Pac-12 Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game last season. DeBoer had Penix go at No. 8 overall (Atlanta Falcons), Odunze at No. 9 overall (Chicago Bears), and Fautanu at No. 20 overall (Pittsburgh Steelers).Odunze was a two-time 1,000+ yard wide receiver, and Fautanu was a strong lineman.

All three players assisted the Huskies to a Pac-12 Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game last season.

DeBoer had Penix go at No. 8 overall (Atlanta Falcons), Odunze at No. 9 overall (Chicago Bears), and Fautanu at No. 20 overall (Pittsburgh Steelers).

This is huge for Alabama because it means DeBoer will continue the success of putting Tide players in the first round. 

He has an opportunity to mold names such as Jalen Milroe, Tyler Booker, Jaeden Roberts, Deontae Lawson, Keon Sabb, Germie Bernard, and Malachi Moore into first-rounders for 2025.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Why the Wizards made the right hiring with HC Brian Keefe
Oilers rally from early deficit to beat Stars, tie WCF
Another masterpiece by Paul Skenes caps remarkable calendar year for rookie phenom
Bengals HC Zac Taylor addresses holdouts from pair of star receivers
Scott Boras makes telling comments on future of Yankees' Juan Soto
Star Arizona guard makes huge decision on NBA Draft status
Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka have opposite reactions to crowd following epic French Open match
Kyrie Irving praises Karl-Anthony Towns for overcoming 'unfair criticism' in Game 4
Watch: Minnesota wins inaugural PWHL Walter Cup
Mets outfielder reveals details of team meeting following latest lopsided loss
Mavericks provide notable status update on star rookie ahead of Game 5
Watch: Benches clear after Giants buzz Bryce Harper
Wizards make decision on their new head coach
Veteran sportscaster gives valuable insight into Caitlin Clark's WNBA debut
Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett addresses 'elephant in the room'
AEW owner stays quiet on potential interest in top WWE star
Donovan Mitchell's influence on Cavaliers listed among 'most powerful' in the NBA
Clippers 'determined' to keep these two star free agents
AEW sustains another major injury blow after Double or Nothing
Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla offers update on Kristaps Porzingis ahead of NBA Finals