'I'm back': Deontae Lawson officially announces return to Alabama
Alabama will welcome back a key member of its defense, as linebacker Deontae Lawson announced he will return to the Crimson Tide in 2024 rather than entering the NFL draft.
“I’m back,” said Lawson in an announcement graphic.
A redshirt sophomore, Lawson is eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft after his third year of college. Serving as the signal-caller of the Alabama defense, Lawson played in and started 11 games this past season, missing three due to injury. Despite not being on the field for three full games, the Mobile, Ala., native finished second on the team with 67 tackles. Lawson also tallied 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass breakups and four hurries in 2023.
BamaOnLine reported on Wednesday evening that Lawson was leaning toward returning for another season. The Crimson Tide defense is also expected to welcome back a pair of seniors in defensive back Malachi Moore and defensive lineman Tim Smith. On the other side of the football, BOL has learned that quarterback Ty Simpson is also likely to return to UA.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is Monday, Jan. 15.
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