Why Kalen DeBoer is excited about his first full recruiting class at Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Kalen DeBoer is excited about his first full recruiting class. He said so six times during the opening statement of his press conference, as he discussed Alabama’s haul for the 2025 cycle, which currently features 21 players and ranks No. 2 in the country.

“Excited about the group, just this being the chance to really have a first, full cycle of recruiting,” DeBoer said. “Kind of be really our first class. Guys that we want to continue to bring in that embody what Alabama stands for, what we’re looking for. Maybe it’s specific needs, which I think we’ve addressed in different ways and at different positions.”

The Crimson Tide signed 10 offensive players, 10 defensive players and one specialist on the first day of the early signing period. Three of those 21 players were 5-star prospects, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, and the group was headlined by quarterback Keelon Russell, who is considered the No. 2 overall player in the nation in the 2025 class.

By position, Alabama added one quarterback, one running back, two wide receivers, two tight ends and four offensive linemen on offense, three defensive linemen, four linebackers and three defensive backs on defense and one punt on special teams. Eight of the new additions ranked among the top 100 players in the class, and 16 were rated 4-stars or higher.

In addition to the type of athletes the Tide signed, DeBoer likes their off-field traits, as well.

“It felt like we addressed a lot of needs,” DeBoer said. “Guys that also, on top of just their positions, just really feel love football. These guys put the action, I think, really comes through in what their love for football is. High character. You’re obviously always going to look for the guys that have the best film, and we know here that we want guys that are going to be future NFL draft picks. And these guys are all that. 

“But we also, as we really eliminate and narrow down to those that we’re presenting today, it’s character. It’s people that embody what we want to look like.”

DeBoer also took time to praise his assistant coaches for their efforts in assembling this class, which is currently the nation’s second-best haul, and also the Tide recruiting staff.

“Just proud of the staff,” DeBoer said. “Can’t say enough about the work they’ve put in. It’s on the field staff, of course. The coaches that will be coaching them and have a lot of interest in making sure their rooms are where they need to be to be at the level we wanna compete at.”

“There’s also all the off-the-field staff, recruiting staff. Courtney Morgan, as the general manager, just does such a good job. Bob Welton and he have really done an amazing job of meshing together and taking what we’ve had before and adding to what my vision is and what our vision will continue to be, building on it. 

“And just that staff being on the same page and clicking, I think we wouldn’t have had this class without the cohesiveness that exists in all of those people that I’ve mentioned.”

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