Alabama welcomed in 14 early enrollees from its record-breaking 2021 class last month. With the Crimson Tide set to open its spring camp next month, BamaInsider will pass the time by examining each of the newcomers set to begin their college careers this spring.
Today we continue the series with a talented in-state defender in Deonte Lawson.
What he offers
For a second straight year, Alabama is adding an elite linebacker from the Mobile area. Last year, the Tide brought in the top player in the state in five-star talent Demouy Kennedy. This year, Deonte Lawson joins the fold with just as much potential.
Lawson comes to Alabama as the No. 2 inside linebacker and No. 65 overall player in this year’s class. Listed at 6-foot-2, 217 pounds, he’ll need to put on some weight upon joining the program. However, he has the speed and athleticism Alabama covets at the linebacker position.
Lawson was one of five finalists for the High School Butkus Award after tallying 116 tackles including 15 stops for a loss with three forced fumbles during his senior season last year. That came after a junior season in which he recorded 134 tackles, including a sack and four tackles for loss.
Lawson also flashed his play-making abilities on offense, recording more than 500 total yards last season while taking snaps at running back and receiver. The multi-sport athlete played point guard for Mobile Christian High School’s basketball team and was also a pitcher on the baseball team earlier in his career.
Last year, Mobile Christian head coach Ronnie Cottrell spoke to BamaInsider about Lawson, stating the young defender’s drive and character reminded him of 11-time Pro Bowler Derrick Brooks who he coached during his tenure at Florida State.
Depending on how he fills out, Lawson has the ability to play at either inside or outside linebacker at Alabama. Given the Tide’s already-loaded array of edge rushers, it might make more sense to start him at inside linebacker where there could be more opportunities to make an early impact on the field. Lawson also demonstrates nice leadership qualities as well as a high football IQ, two traits that translate well to the heart of the defense.
Where he fits in next season
Assuming Lawson does start his college career inside, he could compete for playing time at the Mike linebacker position vacated by Dylan Moses.
Jaylen Moody served as the primary backup to Moses last season, while Shane Lee started at the Mike linebacker position in 2019. Heading into camp, those two should be ahead of Lawson on the depth chart.
Alabama is also thought of as a favorite to land Tennessee linebacker Henry To'oto'o if the NCAA passes the proposed one-time transfer waiver which would grant college athletes immediate eligibility upon moving to a new program provided that they had not transferred previously. While To'oto'o played Will linebacker at Tennessee, it’s possible that either he or Christian Harris could slide over to Mike linebacker for Alabama next season, forming an experienced starting tandem at the middle of the Tide’s defense.
While a starting spot might be a long shot at the moment, Lawson will still have the opportunity to prove himself to Alabama coaches this spring. Several of the Tide’s former star linebackers began their careers on special teams. Lawson figures to follow in that path next season as he looks to continue to bulk up and develop his game.
What they’re saying
"Deontae has all the intangibles. Not only is he 6-foot-3, 215-pounds and can run like the wind, he’s the smartest guy, the hardest worker and the friendliest guy we have. He's not just a freak on the field. He is a great person to be around. Everyone is drawn to him. He is just a good person." — Mobile Christian defensive coordinator Gus Smith
Today we continue the series with a talented in-state defender in Deonte Lawson.
What he offers
For a second straight year, Alabama is adding an elite linebacker from the Mobile area. Last year, the Tide brought in the top player in the state in five-star talent Demouy Kennedy. This year, Deonte Lawson joins the fold with just as much potential.
Lawson comes to Alabama as the No. 2 inside linebacker and No. 65 overall player in this year’s class. Listed at 6-foot-2, 217 pounds, he’ll need to put on some weight upon joining the program. However, he has the speed and athleticism Alabama covets at the linebacker position.
Lawson was one of five finalists for the High School Butkus Award after tallying 116 tackles including 15 stops for a loss with three forced fumbles during his senior season last year. That came after a junior season in which he recorded 134 tackles, including a sack and four tackles for loss.
Lawson also flashed his play-making abilities on offense, recording more than 500 total yards last season while taking snaps at running back and receiver. The multi-sport athlete played point guard for Mobile Christian High School’s basketball team and was also a pitcher on the baseball team earlier in his career.
Last year, Mobile Christian head coach Ronnie Cottrell spoke to BamaInsider about Lawson, stating the young defender’s drive and character reminded him of 11-time Pro Bowler Derrick Brooks who he coached during his tenure at Florida State.
Depending on how he fills out, Lawson has the ability to play at either inside or outside linebacker at Alabama. Given the Tide’s already-loaded array of edge rushers, it might make more sense to start him at inside linebacker where there could be more opportunities to make an early impact on the field. Lawson also demonstrates nice leadership qualities as well as a high football IQ, two traits that translate well to the heart of the defense.
Where he fits in next season
Assuming Lawson does start his college career inside, he could compete for playing time at the Mike linebacker position vacated by Dylan Moses.
Jaylen Moody served as the primary backup to Moses last season, while Shane Lee started at the Mike linebacker position in 2019. Heading into camp, those two should be ahead of Lawson on the depth chart.
Alabama is also thought of as a favorite to land Tennessee linebacker Henry To'oto'o if the NCAA passes the proposed one-time transfer waiver which would grant college athletes immediate eligibility upon moving to a new program provided that they had not transferred previously. While To'oto'o played Will linebacker at Tennessee, it’s possible that either he or Christian Harris could slide over to Mike linebacker for Alabama next season, forming an experienced starting tandem at the middle of the Tide’s defense.
While a starting spot might be a long shot at the moment, Lawson will still have the opportunity to prove himself to Alabama coaches this spring. Several of the Tide’s former star linebackers began their careers on special teams. Lawson figures to follow in that path next season as he looks to continue to bulk up and develop his game.
What they’re saying
"Deontae has all the intangibles. Not only is he 6-foot-3, 215-pounds and can run like the wind, he’s the smartest guy, the hardest worker and the friendliest guy we have. He's not just a freak on the field. He is a great person to be around. Everyone is drawn to him. He is just a good person." — Mobile Christian defensive coordinator Gus Smith
