What Kalen DeBoer Had to Say Following Thursday’s Scrimmage for Alabama Football

As the Alabama Crimson Tide football team enters the intense preparations for the 2025 season, Thursday’s scrimmage served as a crucial milestone for the program. Kalen DeBoer, who has quickly become a respected figure in the world of football coaching, was on hand to provide his thoughts and reflections on the team’s progress.

While DeBoer isn’t the head coach at Alabama, his insights carry significant weight, especially considering his proven track record in the world of college football. For those unfamiliar, DeBoer is known for his sharp strategic mind, his ability to develop quarterbacks, and his knack for building well-rounded, high-performing teams. His comments after the Thursday scrimmage provide valuable insights into where Alabama stands as they continue to gear up for one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.

The Nature of Thursday’s Scrimmage

Before diving into DeBoer’s analysis, it’s essential to understand the context of the scrimmage. These scrimmages are often the first real test for Alabama’s team each spring or fall, giving the coaching staff a chance to evaluate individual performances, team dynamics, and the application of the schemes developed in practice. The Thursday scrimmage was particularly important as it marked one of the final opportunities before the season opener to fine-tune Alabama’s offensive and defensive units.

As DeBoer mentioned in his remarks, this scrimmage was essential for Alabama’s ability to compete at the highest level. With a new crop of recruits joining the program, there were several key areas where the coaching staff needed clarity—especially in terms of individual development and team cohesion. The team had already been through extensive drills and practice, but the scrimmage allowed them to simulate game-like conditions, providing insight into how well the players would respond under pressure.

Kalen DeBoer’s First Impressions: Offensive Playmaking

DeBoer, whose reputation is largely built on offensive prowess, immediately highlighted the improvements on the offensive side of the ball during the Thursday scrimmage. For Alabama, the biggest question mark heading into the 2025 season has been the quarterback position. The Tide is replacing a highly productive quarterback in Bryce Young, and the new signal-caller will need to carry the weight of high expectations.

DeBoer was quick to address the development of Alabama’s quarterbacks, specifically focusing on how they handled the various offensive schemes. “It was a good start,” DeBoer said. “You could see the potential, especially with the young quarterbacks. They’ve got the arm strength, and the mobility is there. The question moving forward will be how they adjust to the speed of the game and making quick decisions under pressure.”

Alabama’s quarterback battle was one of the focal points of the scrimmage. The Tide entered the event with several players vying for the starting role, including high-profile recruits and some returnees who have been waiting for their chance to start. DeBoer was impressed with the decision-making ability of some of the younger quarterbacks, but he also pointed out areas for improvement.

“There were a few instances where they held the ball too long or missed open receivers,” DeBoer noted. “That’s natural with young guys, but as we all know, in the SEC, you can’t afford to waste opportunities. I think they have the tools to be successful, but it’s about consistency and getting into a rhythm.”

One of the most promising aspects that DeBoer highlighted was the development of Alabama’s receiving corps. The Crimson Tide has traditionally been known for its running back talent and offensive line dominance, but DeBoer sees this year’s wide receiver group as potentially one of the strongest in recent memory.

“The receivers looked really sharp today,” he remarked. “They ran crisp routes, and the chemistry between them and the quarterbacks was evident. It’s not just about speed; they’ve got strong route runners, and that’s crucial in today’s game, especially in the SEC.”

Alabama’s running backs were another focal point. With a deep stable of talented players, the Crimson Tide have several options, including both power backs and more elusive, speedy runners. DeBoer noted that while the offensive line has been a strength for Alabama over the years, the running backs’ ability to create on their own will be key for this season.

“They’ve got a nice combination of power and finesse,” DeBoer said. “If they can pick up the blitz and protect the quarterbacks, that opens up the playbook in a way that’s difficult for defenses to handle.”

Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses

On the defensive side of the ball, DeBoer was equally observant and noted several positive takeaways as well as areas where improvement is needed. Alabama’s defense has been one of the most feared units in college football, and while they’ve lost a few key players to the NFL, the system in place remains intact.

DeBoer expressed confidence in Alabama’s front seven. “The defensive line looks as strong as ever,” he observed. “There’s a lot of depth there, and the pressure they can generate on the quarterback will be critical for Alabama’s success this season. That front seven can dominate, and that sets the tone for everything else.”

However, DeBoer also identified some challenges that the Alabama defense may face in the coming season. While the defensive line is stout, he was less convinced by the secondary, especially in coverage situations where Alabama’s corners were often tested.

“Alabama’s secondary had some ups and downs today,” DeBoer noted. “You saw a few blown coverages, especially when the offense went to hurry-up or mixed in a few different looks. They’ll need to be sharper in coverage if they want to compete at a championship level.”

Despite these occasional lapses, DeBoer was overall optimistic about the defense. He cited their physicality and speed as key strengths that will allow them to make adjustments as the season progresses. The secondary’s development, particularly in coverage schemes, will be one of the most significant storylines to follow in the coming months.

Special Teams and Intangibles

Another area that DeBoer touched upon was Alabama’s special teams, which are often an overlooked component of a team’s success. Special teams play can be the difference between winning and losing close games, and Alabama’s performance in this area will be crucial to its postseason hopes.

“The special teams were solid, but there are some things to clean up,” DeBoer commented. “We saw some great punts and kickoffs, but there were a couple of mishandled returns and missed assignments on coverage. That’s something they’ll want to focus on, especially in tight games where field position is everything.”

The intangibles that DeBoer mentioned were just as important. “I’ve always said that football is about more than just Xs and Os; it’s about attitude, heart, and discipline. Alabama is a team that’s built for the long haul, but what really separates the great teams from the good ones is the mindset when things aren’t going your way.”

DeBoer made sure to commend the leadership on the team, mentioning players who have stepped up vocally and on the field. “They’ve got some strong leaders who are setting the right tone,” he said. “That’s key. As a coach, you love to see your leaders take charge and make sure the younger guys stay focused and driven. That’s the culture that Nick Saban has built here.”

Looking Ahead: What Needs to Improve

As DeBoer wrapped up his thoughts on the Thursday scrimmage, he highlighted a few key areas where Alabama still has work to do before the season begins in earnest.

• Quarterback Consistency: DeBoer stressed the need for the quarterbacks to develop better consistency in their throws and decision-making. “You can’t have mental lapses in this league,” he said. “They need to get to the point where they are making quick, confident decisions under pressure.”
• Secondary Coverage: While DeBoer was optimistic about the defensive line, he urged Alabama’s secondary to improve its coverage skills. “They have the potential to be one of the best units, but they need to improve their communication and get comfortable with the different offensive schemes they’ll face.”
• Special Teams Execution: DeBoer emphasized that special teams needed to be sharper, particularly in areas of return coverage and field goal protection. “When you’re in the SEC, every detail counts, and special teams are often the difference.”