In the world of college football, where pressure to perform is a constant, every season brings its own unique challenges. For the Alabama Crimson Tide, a program that prides itself on excellence and success, each new campaign is seen as another opportunity to continue their storied legacy. Yet, with all the expectations that come with being a top-tier program, the journey to greatness isn’t always straightforward. For Deontae Lawson, a standout linebacker for Alabama, the road ahead is one that’s been paved with high expectations, fierce competition, and the undeniable need for focus.
As the 2025 season looms, Alabama’s football program finds itself facing an even higher standard than in years past. This season, however, the leadership comes with an added intensity, and it is something that Lawson is acutely aware of. Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer, Alabama football has been operating with a heightened sense of urgency that is felt not just on the field but within the locker room as well. DeBoer, known for his relentless approach and no-nonsense coaching style, has made one thing crystal clear to his players: “You BETTER lock in this season.”
For Lawson, this message resonates deeply. As one of the defensive leaders on the team, he understands the weight of the statement and the significance of the season ahead. DeBoer’s words are more than just a motivational speech; they are a reflection of the mindset that Alabama must adopt to reclaim its spot at the top of college football. In a year where expectations are sky-high, Lawson knows that locking in—focusing on every detail, staying disciplined, and never letting up—will be the key to success.
“Coach DeBoer has been preaching to us every day that if we want to be the best, we have to stay locked in at all times,” Lawson said, his voice filled with determination. “It’s not enough to just show up and play. Every practice, every meeting, every drill—we have to give it our all. He’s been pushing us to focus on the little things, the details that can make the difference between winning and losing. There’s no room for complacency.”
As one of the most respected programs in the country, Alabama’s reputation precedes them. The Crimson Tide have built their legacy on the backs of talented athletes, brilliant coaching, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Yet, as Lawson points out, with that reputation comes a target on their back. Every team they face will give their best effort, knowing that a win over Alabama can be the defining moment of their season. This is why Lawson understands the importance of staying locked in. For Alabama, complacency is the enemy, and they cannot afford to take anything for granted.
DeBoer’s approach is not just about maintaining focus on the field; it’s about creating a culture of intensity and preparation that permeates every aspect of the team. He believes that for Alabama to return to its championship-winning ways, the players must be mentally and physically ready for the challenges ahead. His coaching style emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, making sure that every player knows their role and performs it to perfection. Whether it’s perfecting a technique, mastering a play, or simply staying disciplined during practices, DeBoer has made it clear that there is no room for slack.
“For us to be great this season, we have to lock in every day. Coach DeBoer reminds us constantly that we can’t afford to take any plays off,” Lawson explained. “It’s about being consistent. Whether it’s during a walkthrough or in a live game, we have to be on point. The focus has to be there, and it starts in the locker room.”
Lawson’s perspective on the importance of focus isn’t just about his own performance—it’s about setting an example for the younger players on the team. As a leader, he knows that his actions speak louder than words. By embracing the “lock in” mentality, Lawson is setting the tone for the rest of the defense and the team as a whole. He’s constantly pushing his teammates to focus on the fundamentals, even when things get tough. That sense of leadership and accountability is what makes Alabama a powerhouse year after year.
The “lock in” mentality also extends beyond the football field. It is a mindset that permeates every facet of an athlete’s life. In order to be successful, players must be fully dedicated to their craft. This means prioritizing their physical conditioning, adhering to strict diets, and maintaining a focused approach to their academic and personal lives. As Lawson notes, success doesn’t just happen on Saturdays—it’s the result of the countless hours spent training, studying, and preparing for the challenges ahead.
“Coach DeBoer wants us to be fully committed to the process,” Lawson said. “It’s not just about football. It’s about our whole approach to life as athletes. We have to be disciplined in everything we do. You have to be focused not just in the game but in every moment leading up to it.”
For DeBoer, instilling this level of commitment and focus in his players is essential to building a winning culture. His approach to coaching isn’t about being flashy or overly charismatic—it’s about holding players accountable and demanding the best from them. He expects his athletes to bring their best effort every day, and in return, he provides them with the tools and strategies they need to succeed. It’s a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, and it’s this dynamic that Lawson believes will help the team thrive in 2025.
“Coach DeBoer is all about putting us in the best position to win,” Lawson explained. “He’s constantly challenging us to push past our limits. He doesn’t settle for anything less than our best. And as players, we respect that. We know that when he tells us to lock in, it’s because he believes in us and knows we’re capable of achieving greatness.”
While the team’s focus is on the upcoming season, Lawson is quick to recognize that achieving success will require more than just individual effort. It’s about the collective commitment of every player, every coach, and every member of the organization. It’s about creating a unified team culture where everyone is working toward the same goal—championship glory. Lawson understands that it takes a village to win a national title, and that means all hands on deck, from the starters to the backups, from the coaches to the support staff.
“The thing about Alabama is that everyone has to be all in,” Lawson said. “It’s not just the starters who have to lock in. It’s everyone. We need depth, we need to be all in together. We’re all working for one common goal, and that’s to bring another championship to Alabama.”
With the 2025 season fast approaching, Lawson knows that the road ahead will be challenging. There will be setbacks, tough games, and difficult moments. But with the focus and intensity that DeBoer has instilled in the team, Lawson is confident that Alabama will be ready to rise to the occasion. The message is clear: no matter the obstacles, the players must remain locked in at all times. The result of that unwavering commitment will be determined on the field, and Lawson believes that with the leadership of DeBoer and the collective focus of the team, Alabama is poised to achieve greatness once again.
As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on Alabama to see if they can live up to the lofty expectations that have been placed on them. But for Lawson and his teammates, there is no question about their ability to succeed. They know what it takes. They know the cost of greatness. And as long as they continue to “lock in” each and every day, there is no doubt that they will continue to chase excellence until the very end. The journey is just beginning, and with DeBoer leading the way, Alabama’s football team is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.