Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a significant leg injury in the Crimson Tide’s 24-3 loss to Oklahoma on Saturday. Lawson left the game in the second quarter and did not return, marking a tough blow for both him and the team.
Impact of Lawson’s Injury
It’s a major loss for Alabama. Lawson is not just any player; he’s a team captain and holds the second-most tackles on the squad this season with an impressive 76. His stats also include two sacks, four passes defended, a forced fumble, and an interception in the 2024 campaign. His contributions on the field have been vital to the Crimson Tide’s defensive efforts.
Additionally, Lawson serves as Alabama’s defensive signal-caller, wearing the green dot on his helmet. This designation means he is the only player on defense who has in-helmet communications with defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. Losing such a key player raises concerns about how Alabama will adjust moving forward.
Coach’s Perspective
After the loss, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke about the impact of Lawson’s injury on the team. “Any time you lose a great player like Deontae, it’s gonna affect you,” DeBoer said. “His leadership, he is the guy that makes a lot of the calls on the football field. Just seems like he’s always in control. We have trust and belief in the guys that come in with [Justin Jefferson]. Those guys take a lot of reps, and he’s played a lot this year, too.”
DeBoer emphasized that losing a captain like Lawson affects not only the team’s execution on the field but also their emotional demeanor. “But Deontae, any of your captains, your top players, it’s gonna hurt you,” he added. The emotional toll of such injuries can be just as significant as the physical one.
Next Steps for Alabama
Following Lawson’s injury, Justin Jefferson stepped up to serve as the team’s defensive signal-caller. This is Jefferson’s second season with Alabama, having joined the team ahead of the 2023 campaign. Before transferring to Alabama, he played two seasons at Pearl River Community College. The transition will be crucial as Alabama prepares for its next challenge.
For now, Alabama can only support Deontae Lawson as he recovers while preparing for its next opponent. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide will face off against Auburn in the Iron Bowl at 3:30 p.m. ET. This rivalry game is always a highlight of the season, and fans will be eager to see how the team rallies in Lawson’s absence.
Lawson’s Future
Lawson has one year of eligibility remaining. He played four games in his freshman year but ultimately preserved a year of eligibility. With his talent and potential, it’s unclear whether Lawson will return next season or enter his name in the 2025 NFL Draft. The decision will weigh heavily on him, especially after such a significant injury.
However, Lawson certainly wouldn’t have trouble garnering interest from professional organizations. In ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s latest NFL draft Big Board, he was named the No. 5 off-ball linebacker expected to be available in the upcoming draft. His skills and leadership qualities make him a promising candidate for a future in the NFL.
Looking Ahead
As Alabama moves forward without Lawson, the team must find ways to adapt and overcome this setback. The Crimson Tide have shown resilience in the past, and this situation will test their mettle once again. With a key game against Auburn on the horizon, the focus will be on how the remaining players step up and fill the void left by Lawson.
In college football, injuries are an unfortunate reality, but they also present opportunities for others to shine. Will Alabama rise to the occasion, or will they struggle without their star linebacker? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the spirit of the Crimson Tide will be on full display as they face their next challenge.
As fans gear up for the Iron Bowl, they will undoubtedly rally behind their team, hoping for a strong performance despite the adversity. The heart and passion of college football are on full display, and the Crimson Tide will need every ounce of support as they navigate this difficult time.
