Alabama DB DeVonta Smith reaffirms commitment to Alabama, Kalen DeBoer
DeVonta Smith isn’t going anywhere. On Monday, the Alabama defensive back informally announced his decision to return to the Crimson Tide next season.
“In DeBoer I trust and if you ain’t wearing CRIMSON….. yall know the rest,” Smith wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Smith has played in a handful of games over his three seasons in Tuscaloosa. After appearing mostly on special teams early, he appeared on defense in 14 games over the past two years.
He played in four games at the end of this past season for the Crimson Tide. All of his production came in their win over Chattanooga when he posted four tackles against the Mocs. While Smith hasn’t always posted monstrous stat lines, it appears he’s confident in the program’s fresh leadership.
It’s hard to blame him. Newly hired head coach Kalen DeBoer’s résumé is nearly flawless. In just two seasons at Washington, DeBoer turned the program around. He led the Huskies from a 4-8 record program in 2021 to an 11-2 mark, Alamo Bowl win over Texas and a No. 6 final CFP ranking in 2022.
DeBoer’s 2023 campaign was even better. In a loaded Pac-12, it was DeBoer’s group who stood head and shoulders above the rest, finishing a perfect 12-0 in the regular season before completing a season sweep of a Top-10 ranked Oregon team in the Pac-12 Championship game.
Washington didn’t stop there. DeBoer’s team toppled Texas to advance to the national championship against Michigan. While the Huskies ultimately fell to the Wolverines, Kalen DeBoer earned the nation’s respect. Evidently, he earned DeVonta Smith’s respect, too.
Nick Saban endorses Kalen DeBoer
Smith isn’t the only one who has high hopes for DeBoer. Nick Saban, himself, endorsed the hire.
“I want nothing more than to see Alabama football continue to be successful, and Coach DeBoer is an outstanding choice to lead this program,” Saban wrote. “He has a proven track record of success and is one of the brightest football minds. Coach DeBoer has an excellent understanding of what it takes to be a successful head coach, whether it’s coaching, recruiting, developing players, or building a culture.
“He has done a fantastic job at every stop of his coaching career, and I am excited to see what he will be able to accomplish in Tuscaloosa. Terry and I will be here to support Coach DeBoer and his family with anything they need.”