Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

REPORT: Alabama LB Deontae Lawson believed to return in 2024

Originally posted on Touchdown Alabama Magazine
By Patrick Dowd | Last updated 1/4/24

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 current belief is that Alabama standout linebacker Deontae Lawson is likely returning to school instead of leaving for the NFL, sources tell @247sports.

Despite missing three games this year, the Class of 2021 five-star recruit ranked second on the team with 67 tackles.… pic.twitter.com/RAqpgdhkTf

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 4, 2024

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.

This article first appeared on Touchdown Alabama Magazine and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: