A Kalen DeBoer press conference will never be filled with highlight quotes. DeBoer is not the wordsmith Alabama football fans were accustomed to in Nick Saban. DeBoer is straightforward in an even-keeled approach. His answers are honest and direct.
What quietly stood out in the media session after the Western Kentucky game happened early and late. Immediately after saying he told the team to enjoy the win, DeBoer transitioned to the Crimson Tide now has a “lot of things on film we know we can correct.”
Near the end of the media session, DeBoer said ” I told the guys in the locker room, none of these points carry over to next week… there’s strengths we have but people are going to look at those areas they can attack and we can continue to understand that there is a lot of potential with this football team but we’ve still got a lot of work to, and it’s going to be that way all season long.”
DeBoer also said he loves the team’s mindset, “they want to be great.” DeBoer made it clear much more than a thrashing of a lesser team is required by greatness.
DeBoer said he thought Elijah Pritchett did a “solid” job filling in at left tackle. He said it helped that Pritchett had worked there, next to Tyler Booker throughout the spring. On Kadyn Proctor, DeBoer said he would be evaluated during the next few days on the extent of injury, and when he can return.
DeBoer stated he was proud for Kane Wommack and the Crimson Tide defense for gaining a shutout. About the area naysayers had focused on for months, the defensive backfield, DeBoer said the secondary played well, with “no big mistakes.” He added that the heavy rotation of defenders used against Western Kentucky is the plan for the season. He praised Keon Sabb, Jihaad Campbell, and Deontae Lawson. Whether intentional or not, DeBoer used one of Kane Wommack’s favorite descriptions, saying the Alabama defenders were “flying around” against the Hilltoppers. DeBoer also pointed out there was no drop-off in the secondary when backups were rotated into the game.
Week One is in the books with a win. Another offense, designed to be explosive comes to Tuscaloosa on Saturday. Can the Crimson Tide shut down South Florida, as it did WKU? Why not, the Alabama defense appears to be well ahead of schedule.
The full post-game media session can be seen below.
