Kalen DeBoer provides latest injury update on Alabama LB Deontae Lawson

Here is an in-depth look at Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson’s recovery journey following his season‑ending injury, featuring insights from head coach Kalen DeBoer, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, and Lawson himself.

Alabama’s veteran linebacker Deontae Lawson, entering his fifth collegiate season, suffered a devastating lower‑body injury late in the 2024 campaign but has since emerged as a beacon of leadership and resilience for the Crimson Tide. Head coach Kalen DeBoer and coordinator Kane Wommack have both praised Lawson’s rehabilitation progress, character, and off‑field impact, painting a picture of a player who has turned adversity into opportunity. Below, we explore Lawson’s football pedigree, the nature of his injury, the specifics of his rehab timeline, the coaching staff’s latest updates, his influence on teammates, projected return timetable, and what this all means for Alabama’s defense and Lawson’s professional aspirations.

Background: From Mobile Standout to Team Captain

Early Career and Ascension

• A Mobile, Alabama native, Deontae Lawson joined the Crimson Tide program in 2021, gradually earning playing time and a redshirt before breaking out as a starter in 2023 .
• Over his first three seasons, Lawson appeared in 37 games, developing into a reliable middle linebacker known for his tackling prowess and communication skills .
• Ahead of the 2024 season, Lawson was voted a permanent team captain by his peers, underscoring his leadership within the locker room .

2024 Performance Highlights

• Despite missing the final two games, Lawson ranked ninth in the SEC with 76 tackles, added 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, four pass breakups, one interception, and one forced fumble during the 2024 season .
• His standout play earned him All‑SEC Third Team honors and semifinalist status for the Butkus Award, highlighting his status as one of college football’s premier linebackers .

Decision to Return for a Fifth Season

• Following his injury, Lawson announced via Instagram that he would forgo the 2025 NFL Draft and return to Tuscaloosa for a redshirt senior campaign, citing his commitment to the program and a desire to finish what he started .

The 2024 Injury: Nature and Impact

Game‑Changing Moment at Oklahoma

• In the second quarter of Alabama’s November 23, 2024 contest at Oklahoma, Lawson suffered a “lower‑extremity” injury—later confirmed as an ACL tear—forcing him out for the remainder of the season .
• The injury not only sidelined Alabama’s defensive signal‑caller but also robbed Lawson of a likely early selection in the 2025 NFL Draft .

Immediate Aftermath

• Postgame, coach DeBoer praised Lawson’s leadership and lamented the loss of his “steady‑maker in the box” responsible for green‑dot communication on defense .
• Lawson’s absence forced backups like Justin Jefferson to assume play‑calling duties, altering the dynamics of Alabama’s inside linebacker unit .

Rehab and Missing Spring Practice

Initial Prognosis and Surgery

• Lawson underwent successful ACL reconstruction surgery shortly after the injury, embarking on a rigorous rehab under Alabama’s medical staff .

Spring Practice Availability

• As a result of his rehab timeline, Lawson did not participate in any spring practice, with the linebacker himself indicating he would remain on the sidelines until fall camp .
• “It’ll be until fall camp,” Lawson told the Crimson Tide Sports Network, acknowledging both his eagerness to contribute and the necessity of following medical guidance .

Coaching Staff Updates

Kane Wommack on Rehab Progress

• Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, speaking on WNSP 105.5 FM, hailed Lawson as “a total pro” who is “farther ahead than where most people are at this stage of his rehab” .
• Wommack expressed excitement over Lawson’s ability to “do more and more things this summer” and readiness to enter “fall camp … healthy and ready” .
• The coordinator also reflected on Lawson’s draft decision, noting it was “a very hard decision” but that Lawson “made the right decision,” and Wommack is committed to “maximize his opportunities” in 2025 .

Kalen DeBoer on Leadership and Engagement

• Head coach Kalen DeBoer echoed Wommack’s praise, telling AL.com, “He is doing great … he’s just dove into his rehab … you really see him stepping up as a leader, even not being on the football field” .
• At a Team Focus charity event in Mobile, DeBoer added, “Deontae is doing an amazing job … coaching, being engaged … this guy, he sleeps and breathes football. He’s all about Alabama, and he wants to leave this place on a high” .

Leadership Beyond the Field

Mentoring Younger Players

• While rehabbing, Lawson has spent spring practices and team meetings mentoring incoming and younger linebackers, sharing film insights and defensive knowledge .
• Teammates have expressed admiration for Lawson’s work ethic, noting that his presence—even off the field—has set the tone for a demanding but supportive defensive room .

Team Culture and Respect

• Several program insiders have remarked that Lawson’s journey has galvanized the team’s ethos, reinforcing values of resilience, accountability, and collective responsibility .

Projected Return Timeline

Summer Workload

• According to Wommack, Lawson will gradually increase activity this summer, starting with controlled on‑field drills before transitioning to full‑speed workouts .

Fall Camp Target

• Both coaches agree the goal is to have Lawson fully cleared and integrated into team drills by the start of fall camp in August, roughly nine months post‑surgery .
• This timeline aligns with modern ACL recovery benchmarks for elite athletes, where a full return to contact is often achieved between eight to ten months post‑injury .

Impact on Alabama’s 2025 Defense

Inside Linebacker Depth Chart

• Even during Lawson’s absence, Alabama boasts veteran options: redshirt senior Justin Jefferson and Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill‑Green, who have taken on added reps .
• The unit also features promising true freshmen and returning reserves, ensuring competition and depth ahead of Lawson’s return .

Defensive Schemes and Communication

• Lawson’s expertise in pre‑snap communication is irreplaceable; coaches have used this period to cross‑train backups on the green‑dot system he mastered .

Anticipated On‑Field Impact

• Once healthy, Lawson is expected to resume his role as the “Mike” linebacker, anchoring run fits and serving as Wommack’s “voice on the field” .
• His instinctual play, ability to diagnose offenses, and sideline‑to‑sideline range make him central to Alabama’s quest for another national championship .

Professional Aspirations and NFL Draft Considerations

Draft Stock Pre‑Injury

• Prior to his ACL tear, Lawson was projected as a mid‑round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, lauded for his tackling, instincts, and leadership .

Post‑Season Showcase Opportunities

• With his decision to return, Lawson will have one final college season to bolster his resume, aiming for All‑American honors and a full complement of medical evaluations to reassure NFL scouts .
• Wommack has committed to tailoring Lawson’s workload to “maximize his opportunities” both for Alabama’s success and for his long‑term professional health .

Looking Ahead: A Story of Resilience

Deontae Lawson’s injury and recovery narrative exemplify the blend of physical fortitude and mental toughness that defines elite college football. As he works tirelessly through summer drills and rehab protocols, Lawson remains a focal point of Alabama’s defensive identity—both as a field general and as an inspirational leader. With fall camp on the horizon, the Crimson Tide and its supporters are eagerly anticipating his triumphant return, confident that Lawson will once again anchor one of college football’s most vaunted defenses and reaffirm his status as one of the game’s premier linebackers.