
Deontae Lawson Details Why He Returned to Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, several Alabama football players faced pivotal choices regarding their futures, particularly whether to return to college or enter the 2025 National Football League Draft.

One of those players, Deontae Lawson, a veteran linebacker, had his season cut short due to a lower leg injury sustained during the loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman, Oklahoma.
The Mobile, Alabama, native served as a captain and was known for his leadership and performance on the field. With his season ending prematurely, Lawson took time to reflect on his future, especially the possibility of retuning to Alabama for another year.
"Before the season, I was planning on declaring, but you know, stuff happens, and you never really know why. I put all my faith in the good Lord above, and it was best to take a step back. It wasn't just about how I felt, but more about what my intuition was telling me. I had some deep talks with a lot of people, and my family played a huge role in this decision. Overall, I just don't feel accomplished here yet. I don't feel like I have things to prove, but I just don't feel like my story is complete," Lawson shared in an interview with Roger Hoover of the Crimson Tide Sports Network released on Thursday.
Lawson shared insights about his journey with the Crimson Tide, emphasizing the valuable lessons he learned from fellow Crimson Tide captains. He noted that while he understood leadership, his teammates introduced him to new dimensions of it.
"I knew how to be a leader, but those guys showed me a different type of leadership. Like Tyler Booker, he showed me some different stuff as a leader. Malachi Moore, I've been with Malachi since I first got here, so we always talked about that [leadership]. After his [Malachi] freshman year, we would talk about how we couldn't wait to get out there together. And then Jalen Milroe, we came in together, so that was definitely an honor. Like I said, those guys showed me a different way of leadership, and I feel like I'll carry that for the rest of my life," said Lawson.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, the Crimson Tide defense will benefit from several key returning starters, including Lawson, whose veteran experience will be invaluable. Despite the challenges faced last season, Lawson has made a commitment to the fans for his final year. "I promise the fans that I'll do everything in my power to get this program back on track. Last year wasn't what we wanted, and we have much bigger expectations for ourselves. That really stuck with me. One of the main reasons [returning] is to fulfill that promise to the fans. Another big reason is trusting in the good Lord and knowing that he's not finished with my story here."
In the 2024-25 season, Lawson recorded 36 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception.
For the full interview with Roger Hoover, visit CTSN'S YouTube channel.
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Gallery Credit: Wyatt Fulton