Four-star linebacker Dawson Merritt has committed to Alabama and coach Kalen DeBoer.

The Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley chose the Tide over Nebraska after taking an official visit to Tuscaloosa earlier this month.

“Coach DeBoer is an amazing head coach,” Merritt told On3. “He’s very personable. He has a great vision for the team. Everything that he said he would do, he’s starting to do, and I’m super excited for everyone to see him in action during the season. He did impressive things at Washington and now, he has all the resources in the world at Alabama.

“His record as a head coach is 104-12. What says he’s not going to succeed with all the things that he has set up for him at Alabama? I’m super excited to see what he can do and his support staff is amazing. Everyone there is next level. Alabama is next level compared to every other program I’ve visited.”

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound prospect is the No. 7 linebacker in the 2025 On300 and the No. 62 overall player in the country, per 247Sports.

Alabama football made a huge in-state recruiting move on Saturday, when Vigor offensive tackle Micah Debose committed to the Crimson Tide. DeBose had committed to Georgia in January of 2023 before decommiting in December.

Merritt becomes Alabama’s 19th commitment in the 2025 class.

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.