As Alabama enters a crucial 2025 campaign with Kalen DeBoer at the helm, the first fall scrimmages have highlighted both stability and areas needing refinement. Stepping in after Nick Saban’s retirement and armed with a touted recruiting class, DeBoer has closely examined each unit’s progress.
Speaking at Bryant-Denny Stadium following Saturday’s scrimmage, he indicated that the long-term outlook for the Crimson Tide’s quarterback group is still taking shape.
Kalen DeBoer Reviews Alabama’s Steady Units, Identifies Areas for Improvement
DeBoer offered a detailed breakdown of the Crimson Tide’s progress following the team’s first fall camp scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium, addressing areas of strength and those still in development. With the 2025 season approaching, DeBoer pointed to the depth at several positions as a positive sign.
When asked about position groups such as wide receivers and defensive backs, he highlighted how new faces have emerged alongside established contributors.
“New guys popping up, right? Guys that you would expect to make plays, but one day you got Jer making a lot of plays. Today, [Isaiah] Horton getting his opportunity and Rico [Scott] just doing the little things that matter,” DeBoer said.
DeBoer acknowledged that certain positions feature significant experience while others rely on younger talent.
“We got a lot of upperclassmen and guys that have a lot of experience, and then all of a sudden it drops down… to where all of a sudden you’re playing with Michael Carroll and Jackson Boy Floyd at tackle,” he said, adding that young offensive linemen and linebackers are gaining valuable reps.
He emphasized that last season Alabama played “close to 1,600 snaps with freshmen on special teams” and expects that group to remain critical.
Discussing the tight end group, DeBoer praised its reliability.
“They’re really consistent… a couple nice just moving the chains type things,” he said. However, he acknowledged the lack of explosive plays from that position, adding that improvement is needed in blocking, particularly “in short yardage or goal line situations.”
Addressing the pass rush, DeBoer credited the offense for implementing schemes to protect the quarterback, while also naming defensive standouts.
“I think LT [Overton] continues to do a job. I’m really excited about Qua and what he can do. Yhonzae, over the course of camp, I think, has been consistent. You didn’t really get a chance or see him today, really getting home, but he’s around the quarterback. And even in the limited time early on, I felt like James Smith, and so he’s an important piece of that too.”
He stressed the need for defensive cohesion to avoid giving quarterbacks running lanes, adding that discipline in assignments will be crucial. Overall, DeBoer expressed satisfaction with the progress shown in the first scrimmage while making it clear that consistency, communication, and execution will determine the team’s success when the season begins.