Kalen DeBoer Wants to See Response From Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has a reputation as a level-headed coach who doesn't need to cuss to motivate his team, so when the Crimson Tide's coach does drop profanity, it resonates.

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On Wednesday, after the Crimson Tide's first practice of fall camp, DeBoer was asked about what he wants to see from the Tide's two quarterbacks competing for the starting job, but his answer evolved, explaining what he wants to see from the team as a whole.

“We talked about response. Someone's going to want to play every down, right? So, there's going to be something when you're going against each other, and you just try to make that as game-like as possible. So, what's the response? And that's a lot of football. And the momentum, getting it on your side and keeping it on your side. And there's going to be plays that don't go your way. But what's it look like? How are you coming together?

“We're identifying leaders beyond the guys that we expect to be able to stand up when needed and take charge. But as a whole team, that's what it's got to be. And right now, it's kind of an offense versus defense thing. So, you're trying to, at the same time, build belief and confidence in each other while you're really trying to ask them, one side of the ball to just kick the other side's ass all day.”

Alabama returns to the practice field on Thursday, August 6, and is set to open the season on Saturday, September 5, against East Carolina.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.