Deontae Lawson thought he was heading to the NFL. Right up until Alabama football faced Oklahoma, the linebacker and team captain expected to forgo his final year of eligibility in 2025, and was ready to begin his professional career.

Then, a torn ACL against the Sooners. Suddenly, Lawson had to reevaluate his plans.

“It wasn’t a light injury, whatsoever,” Lawson told reporters Wednesday in Atlanta, during SEC media days. “And I had full faith in Alabama’s medical staff. And Dr. (Lyle) Kane who did my surgery, he worked with me for a couple years. It’s just a sense of comfort. And I’ll say, when you know you have guys around you that love you and they’ll take care of you, I think that was one of the biggest decisions.”

Lawson recovered well during the offseason. He said at media days that he would rate his health as a nine of out 10, ahead of UA starting camp on July 30.

The Mobile native said he was fully expected to be ready to roll in the Aug. 30 season-opener at Florida State. Lawson missed spring practice due to the injury.

“I’ve been running around a good bit,” Lawson said. “Doing everything the team does. SO I think I’ll be ready. I’m sure I won’t take every rep, but they definitely monitor me, make sure I’m ready to go for August 30.”

Lawson said he enjoyed playing in defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s system in 2024, noting how much production he and Jihaad Campbell were able to rack up. Lawson finished the year with 76 total tackles, two sacks and an interception.

Also speaking in Atlanta, Kalen DeBoer praised Lawson.

“Probably thought a year ago at this time he’d be wearing an NFL jersey,” DeBoer said. “Circumstances as they may be, just coming back from an injury, seeing him attack it, seeing him and his mindset, him understanding the circumstances he can’t control and what he can. Man, it’s just amazing seeing him take over not just the defense, but be a leader on our football team.”