Tyler Booker pens message to Nick Saban, excited for Kalen DeBoer era
For the most part, nobody saw Nick Saban announcing his retirement coming. Alabama players found out in a meeting, while the rest of the world heard the news a few minutes later on social media. A huge day in the world of college football, it feels like the beginning of a new era.
Kalen DeBoer has since been hired and will be the new Alabama head coach. One of his top priorities will be keeping the roster together and getting players to buy in. Starting left guard Tyler Booker will certainly be a big one, being a star along the offensive line this season.
Booker certainly seems ready to roll with DeBoer based on a message he posted via X on Saturday evening. He first penned a message to Saban, thanking the head coach for playing a role in his life and posting the photo of them back when Booker was a kid.
Then, it was onto the future, saying how excited he is to play under DeBoer. For those coming back for another season in Tuscaloosa, continuing the great Alabama tradition seems to be a common theme. Booker is bought in.
“Playing for Coach Saban had always been dream of mine,” Booker said via X. “I’m forever grateful for him making an impact on my life. I look forward to carrying on the culture, the traditions and the standard that has made Alabama, Alabama! I’m very excited to kick off this new era.”
Booker was a five-star prospect coming out of high school and certainly has lived up to the status during his two seasons with the program. This past year, he was named first-team All-SEC by the Associated Press for his work at left guard. While the Alabama offensive line did struggle to protect Jalen Milroe at times, there was steady improvement as the schedule moved along.
Playing next to Booker was a true freshman — Kadyn Proctor. While Proctor has not officially announced his plans for the future, both guys are expected to return for the 2024 season. What was a young and inexperienced left side of the offensive line this time last year, it’s expected to be a strength moving forward.
DeBoer has not officially announced his staff but did admit he wants to bring some guys over from Washington with him. Scott Huff was the OL coach for a unit that won the Joe Moore Award in 2023. If he makes the move from Seattle to Tuscaloosa, Booker will have one of the best coaching him.