Alabama players 'not running from change,' eager for DeBoer era - ESPN

With transfer news swirling around Alabama's football program since Nick Saban's retirement, several key players who've decided to stay told ESPN on Wednesday there was no panic within the football complex, only optimism for what comes next under new coach Kalen DeBoer.

«We've had some guys leave and wish them well, but that doesn't change the standard at Alabama or our belief that Coach DeBoer is going to lead us where we want to be, winning championships,» said starting inside linebacker Deontae Lawson, who passed up the NFL draft to return for his redshirt junior season. «We know what we can accomplish and know he's won everywhere he's been. We're going to keep this thing going. It's going to be a wonderful story, and we're ready to embrace it.»

DeBoer was named last week to replace Saban, who won six national championships in a legendary 17-year career at Alabama. The Crimson Tide have had 25 players enter the transfer portal this offseason, including safety Caleb Downs and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor on Wednesday. Both players earned Freshman All-America honors this season. Receiver Isaiah Bond transferred to Texas on Sunday.

Junior offensive guard Tyler Booker, who has started at Alabama since his freshman season, understands that the reality of college football in the transfer portal and NIL era is that players come and go, especially when a coach of Saban's caliber retires.

«I want to wish them well wherever they go, but just because Coach Saban is gone, that doesn't mean the standard is gone. He taught us that standard,» Booker said. «It really comes down to, 'Why did you come to the school?' I came to Alabama obviously to play for Coach Saban and play to his standard, to be challenged every day and be held