After an ACL injury ended his 2024 season against Oklahoma, Alabama football linebacker Deontae Lawson was down. After planning to forgo his final season and enter the NFL Draft, suddenly, the Mobile native was forced into surgery, rehab and another year in Tuscaloosa.

After a successful surgery, Lawson began working with UA’s head athletic trainer, Jeremy Gsell.

“That’s my guy, man,” Lawson told reporters Wednesday at SEC media days in Atlanta. “He’s Alabama’s trainer. He’s like that father figure in the medical room. So yeah, I think it’s been great. Definitely not easy, with the help of them, and Jeff (Allen) obviously, from Alabama, they definitely helped me and just pushed me in ways that I didn’t know that I could go in.”

Gsell has worked at Alabama since 2006. He has served as the Crimson Tide’s director of football rehabilitation since 2016, according to his LinkedIn page.

According to Lawson, Gsell was extraordinarily helpful during his long rehab.

“I kind of want to go back to Jeremy,” Lawson said unprompted in Atlanta. “Because, man, he’s just such a genuine guy and you know he cares. Just coming in every day in the morning, if I’m not having the best morning, he can tell instantly. I’m not smiling like I usually am, he’ll make sure I get my things done and also he’ll put a smile on my face before I leave. So yeah, much love for him. Much love for everybody at Alabama, I’m just super grateful.”

Lawson said he fully trusted the medical staff in Tuscaloosa, contributing to his decision to return. He served as one of the Crimson Tide’s captains last season, finishing the year with 76 total tackles, including two sacks.

Speaking to reporters earlier on Wednesday, Kalen DeBoer praised the veteran’s resiliency, sharing how Lawson has stepped up in leadership recently.

“I walked into a meeting, looking for a coach actually,” DeBoer said. “I walked in. It was him holding a meeting with the linebackers I guess yesterday morning. Listened for about 30 seconds. I knew that meeting was in a good position. Coaching it like a coach. When you have guys on the field that are like him, that understand the depth, the details, you know you’re headed in the right direction and have a chance.”

Lawson, who missed spring practice as his rehab continued, said he likely won’t be taking every rep to begin preseason camp. However, he rated his health as a nine out of 10, and said he’ll certainly be ready to start the season against Florida State.

“Just stay the course,” Lawson said of his mindset. “Keep your head down. Every day is not going to be pretty, but it’s a rainbow at the end.”

Alabama is scheduled to begin preseason camp on July 30. The Crimson Tide opens the 2025 season Aug. 30, with the trip to Florida State.