Deontae Lawson hints at a major change within the Alabama Crimson Tide that should have never happened in the first place

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 6:48 PM ET

One thing that should always be a mainstay within the Alabama Crimson Tide's football program is effort.

Yet if you see what Deontae Lawson said about a noticeable change this offseason, you will see that wasn't always the case in 2024...

Deontae Lawson, noticing more buy-in, in 2025

"I think we all just have to be bought in," said Lawson about changes in 2025. "I think that started right when the bowl game ended, and we just all had to come together. I think being year one and Coach Wo’s (DC Kane Wommack) system, we had our bumps and bruises that we had to go through throughout the season . . .

". . .We just have to get more reps. I think as the season progressed, we were able to get better from it. I’m very excited for our defense this year. I feel like we have more guys that knows Coach Wo’s system, and we know the scheme. Now it’s all about honing in on what the offense do, so we’re able to anticipate at the highest level and fire out."

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I understand that learning a new system and having a program overhaul will cause "bumps and bruises," to quote Lawson, but there is never, under any circumstances, an excuse for not being bought in, for giving all-out effort.

The quote further shows that the 2024 season was one that lacked authority, discipline, and accountability. But not from Lawson. His coach spent the morning fawning over his leadership...

"Man, it’s just amazing seeing him [Deontae Lawson] take over not just the defense, but be a leader on our football team," said DeBoer on Wednesday via On3. "I walked into a meeting, looking for a coach. I walked in. It was him holding a meeting with the linebackers, I guess, yesterday morning. Listened for about 30 seconds. I knew that meeting was in a good position. Coaching it like a coach. When you have guys on the field that are like him, that understand the depth, the details, you know you’re headed in the right direction and have a chance."

But all of it is in the past, and the worries about the Alabama culture seem to be behind us. The buy-in must now be complete.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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