Kalen DeBoer’s first season as head coach of Alabama football was a mix of significant highs and painful lows. The Crimson Tide experienced a top-five win over Georgia and briefly held the No. 1 spot, but also suffered unranked losses to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Michigan, leaving the fanbase with a roller-coaster experience in 2024.
Despite the ups and downs, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy still gave DeBoer a grade for his debut year.
“Overall year one grade for Kalen DeBoer: I’m giving him a B-,” McElroy stated.
McElroy also pointed to the number of players who transferred out but acknowledged DeBoer’s past success, particularly his time at Washington.
“Then the first year started, that was a 9-4 record,” McElroy explained. “I think that they were remarkably inconsistent from start to finish. It was just constantly a roller coaster, and that is something that is going to be very important for this staff to try to iron out as they continue to move forward.”
McElroy also recognized the influence of recency bias from the disappointing season finale.
“Had he won the bowl game against Michigan, I think that could’ve taken this grade into a different level,” McElroy said. “I also think you need to look at the amount of penalties, and the level of scrutiny that this team is naturally always going to receive.”
Looking ahead, Alabama is aiming for a college football playoff berth in 2025. A lot of defensive strength returns, with veteran players like Deontae Lawson, LT Overton, Tim Keenan III, Jah-Marien Latham, and Domani Jackson all opting to stay for another season rather than entering the NFL draft.
The offense also maintains continuity, with three starting offensive linemen returning, along with skill players Germie Bernard, Ryan Williams, and Jam Miller returning for their second year.
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Mississippi 4-Star DL Ben’Jarvius Shumaker Expresses Gratitude for Alabama Offer
Shumaker is a four-star defensive lineman from Choctaw County High School in Ackerman, Mississippi. Though still a sophomore, he is considered one of the top defensive line prospects in his class. His offer list includes Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Florida State, and now Alabama.
The offer from Alabama is one that Shumaker deeply appreciates.
“It really means a lot because I used to always watch them on television and now they are offering me and wanting me to come play for them,” Shumaker told Touchdown Alabama. “I just thank God for the opportunity.”
The sophomore also shared his positive views about Alabama and how he perceives the program.
“From the outside looking in, it looks like a great program,” said Shumaker. “I know a lot of players in the NFL that came from Alabama, which means they are doing something good.”
The 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman impressed during his sophomore season at Choctaw County, despite only playing five full games. He recorded 59 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one touchdown, and three pass breakups. His performance highlighted his strength, along with his ability to use active hands and maneuver around blocks.
