Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a busy week of departures this week for Alabama, but it may be getting back the heart of its defense in 2024.

According to a report from 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz, Crimson Tide starting middle linebacker Deontae Lawson is believed to be returning to the team next season.

The redshirt sophomore has started the last two seasons for Alabama after arriving in Tuscaloosa in 2021 and was named the defensive signal caller at the start of 2023. This past year Lawson recorded 67 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and four pass deflections.

Lawson did battle injuries this season missing a total of three games against Mississippi State, Kentucky and Chattanooga.

Alabama has seen a total of 14 players enter the transfer portal in the past two months along with three others who have declared for the NFL Draft. So seeing the possible return of Lawson would be a major win for Nick Saban and company.

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