Deontae Lawson is expected to return to Alabama – and forgo the NFL Draft – according to a 247 Sports report, citing sources.

Lawson, a Mobile native, started 10 games – missing the Mississippi State, Kentucky and Chattanooga contests due to injury – and collected 67 tackles to finish second on the team in stops. He tallied six tackles and had two pass deflections in the 27-20 overtime loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

The semifinalist for the Butkus Award suffered an ankle injury in a 42-38 win over LSU earlier this season.

Lawson added four tackles in Alabama’s win over then-No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

“I think we just made our statement,” Lawson said after the game. “That’s the No. 1 team in the country. We just snapped their 29-game win streak. That’s our statement right there.”

It’s been a busy day in Tuscaloosa. Kristian Story is leaving Tuscaloosa, his father, Clifford Story, confirmed to AL.com. Story was the 10th UA player to enter the portal after losing to Michigan in the Rose Bowl. Starting center Seth McLaughlin also plans to hit the portal.

Others hitting the portal:

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.