How Kalen DeBoer is off to a 'ten out of ten' start at Alabama

It’s been a rollercoaster of an offseason at Alabama. From the highs of hiring Kalen DeBoer to the lows of losing former five-star recruits, Alabama fans have experienced emotional whiplash this spring. Despite the turbulent ride, BamaOnLine’s Tim Watts believes DeBoer’s tenure is off to a hot start.

“It’s true what you say that the doubters will say: ‘We haven’t seen him coach a game,'” Watts said. “Well, all we can judge is at this point of his tenure. And at this point of his tenure, I feel like he’s done a good job, 10 out of 10.

“I think he’s done the things he had to do, even in the portal. If you watch — and I’m not saying they’re all equal — but you lost Caleb Downs and you got Keon Sabb. You lost Julian Sayin and you got Austin Mack.”

Alabama has lost 28 players in the transfer portal this offseason, including standouts such as Downs and Sayin. This past season, Downs was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year, the SEC Freshman of the Year, and the SEC Newcomer of the Year this season. He also earned first-team All-SEC honors.

Downs became the first Alabama freshman to lead the team in tackles in program history with 107, also adding 3.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble to his stat line. Meanwhile, Sayin was the No. 1 overall quarterback prospect in the Class of 2024.

Alabama prepared to take advantage of spring window

While Alabama has suffered its fair share of losses, it has already added eight players via the portal this offseason, including the stellar replacements Watts mentioned. With the transfer portal’s spring window officially open, DeBoer and Co. will have another 14 days to strengthen their roster.

“I’m not saying they’re all equal. Some are better than others. But they replaced that talent out of the gate, going into this portal to get to spring. Now they’ve got a chance to upgrade again,” Watts said.

“They’ve got another chance to find out what’s in the portal. I’ve just been shocked how quiet it is, as of Monday morning. I’m like, ‘What’s happening?’ They’re making me nervous, not Alabama, I’m talking nationally.”

It won’t be quiet for long. The spring window will close on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. This means players have just 15 days to enter. For graduate transfers, the window is extended to May 1, 2024.