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Kalen DeBoer Clearly Warned Alabama’s WRs Before Workout With Geno Smith

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated May 21, 2025 2:03 PM ET

College football players often look for workout partners in the late spring and summer months. It's a great way to network and get some extra work done outside of the campus facilities.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer sat down to discuss this upcoming season with former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst Greg McElroy on his "Always College Football" podcast.

During their conversation, the 50-year-old coach cautioned about having his wide receivers work out ahead of the Crimson Tide's summer sessions.

Alabama is breaking into an inexperienced quarterback room that lacks a starter. DeBoer would prefer to keep his players fresh and focused on the specific concepts that will come in their offseason practices.

Earlier this week, several Crimson Tide players worked out with Geno Smith, Jakobi Meyers and Dont'e Thornton Jr. of the Las Vegas Raiders. Alabama quarterbacks Austin Mack, Keelon Russell and Ty Simpson participated along with Derek Meadows, Isaiah Horton, Germie Bernard and Rico Scott.

"It's just a matter of time that it takes to learn the system," DeBoer explained about what his offensive group has to prepare for this summer.

"We've cautioned them not to do too much (on their own) because this summer is going to be as hard as any one they've ever been through. ... (They also need to know) what to work on," DeBoer said.

DeBoer went on to discuss how receivers Ryan Williams, Bernard and Horton all have a lot to learn as the team enters their second season in his offensive system.

Considering the program's high standard, the Crimson Tide is coming off a difficult season, DeBoer's first in Tuscaloosa. Alabama failed to qualify for the 12-team College Football Playoff. Its season finished on a down note with a 19-13 loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the Reliaquest Bowl.

The Crimson Tide still has yet to name an official starting quarterback, with many predicting Simpson to be the starter when Alabama begins the season with a road matchup against the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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