Deontae Lawson sends clear message to Alabama players considering transferring

Several Alabama players have entered the transfer portal since Nick Saban announced that he was retiring earlier this month. Crimson Tide star linebacker Deontae Lawson made it clear on Friday that he won’t be joining them.

Lawson took to Twitter and shared that he isn’t going anywhere. He also issued a warning to Alabama players who are in the portal or considering entering it.

“Roll with us or get rolled over,” he posted, along with a highlight video. You can watch the full video below:

Deontae Lawson recorded 67 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss, in 2023.

The Mobile, Ala. native signed with the Crimson Tide for the class of 2021. He was ranked as a four-star recruit and the No. 48 overall player in the country, according to the On3 Industry rankings.

Lawson had a big game for the Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl against Michigan, finishing with six tackles and two pass breakups in the overtime loss.

He redshirted in 2021, appearing in four games. In 2022, Lawson played in 11 games and made four starts. He finished that year with 51 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. He really saw his role increase this past season, starting every game he was healthy enough to play in, while helping the Crimson Tide reach the College Football Playoff.

Tyler Booker sends message to Alabama players considering transfer

Deontae Lawson isn’t the only Alabama player with a message to those considering transferring.

Offensive lineman Tyler Booker recently shared that he wants his teammates to see what the new head coach has to offer before jumping ship.

“We were right there,” Booker said. “We were seven points away from winning the national championship. We just got to keep everybody together and at least give it until the spring. We got to give [DeBoer] a chance to prove himself and give him a chance to gain your trust and for you to trust him as well and him to trust you.

“Just give him till the spring and realize we’re 7 points away from where we wanted to be. I mean he got there so he’s a proven winner.”

So what has the message from DeBoer been less than a week since officially being hired?

According to Booker, having a family-like atmosphere is a “non-negotiable” for DeBoer. He wants the players and coaching staff to trust one another, especially as the program goes through a tough stretch.

Based on Booker’s comments, you can tell it’s personally hitting home.

“Coach DeBoer is very family-oriented,” Booker said. “That was one of the first things he said to us was like one of the things non-negotiable was family, keeping family first. We have to become a family, we have to play for one another, and we have to build a trust for one another.

“So, just getting to know him has really been a pleasure and I’m excited to continue to build our relationship.”