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General

Central-Phenix City basketball coach Burkett takes Georgia job

Central-Phenix City boys basketball coach Charles Burkett has taken the head coaching position at Tift County in Tifton, Ga.

The former Hoover High School coach, who won a state title there in 2015, said he is taking his Alabama state retirement after putting in 25 years as a head coach. Burkett spent six years at Saks, 14 years at Hoover, one season at Athens and four at Central. He took his teams to the AHSAA state tournament final four at least once at every stop except Athens.

“It’s Year 25 for me,” Burkett said. “I committed when I signed here to at least four years. At that point, I was going to go year-to-year. Then, this situation came up. The time is now. I’m retiring in the state and moving over to Georgia and starting on the second one.”

In a release on the Tift County High School website, the school principal praised the new coach.

“The students of Tift County High School, both athletes and non-athletes, will see a positive impact from coach Burkett walking our halls,” said Jennifer Johnson. “He has high expectations for students and believes in accountability and fairness.”

Burkett – who is moving from the Red Devils at Central to the Blue Devils in Georgia – said Tift County, which is in state’s largest classification with an enrollment of around 2,200 students, has had success on the court in the past.

“They won the state championship in ‘14 and ‘17,” he said, “but nothing too much after that. The superintendent and principal – the whole administration – were just outstanding. I think they want to get back to where they were and they are trying to do everything they can to do that. I have a passion for doing the exact same thing.”

Burkett said he was headed to meet with his new team on Friday and will being his new job May 1.

“We’ll have a candid conversation as far as my expectations and the experience I’m bringing with me,” he said. “The nature of this business is you want to make sure you never underachieve. That’s what drives me. I’m always working to put myself in this position to succeed and to win a championship.

“The standard will be high,” Burkett said. “At the same time, everything is a process. We did it three of the last four years here. It’s going to be all fresh there.”

Burkett will take a 522-228 career record with him to Georgia. A 2013 inductee into the Jacksonville State University Sports Hall of Fame, Burkett was the 15th player in Jax State history to score 1,000 points, finishing with 1,317 in three seasons. He was Gulf South Conference Player of the Year as a senior in 1991-92 after averaging 18.4 points and 10 rebounds a game. The two-time All-GSC selection helped the Gamecocks to two league championships and two berths in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight under legendary coach Bill Jones.

“He is my mentor,” Burkett said of Jones, “and the foundation of every fiber of my being in this sport.”

Burkett, who played professionally overseas, was an assistant for three seasons under Jones before taking the job at Saks. He led the Wildcats to the AHSAA final four in 2005 and 2006, when Saks lost in overtime in the championship game to Hillcrest-Evergreen.

At Hoover, the Bucs made the final four in 2012, 2015 and 2016. Hoover lost in the semifinals to eventual champion Carver-Montgomery in 2012 and in overtime to eventual champ McGill-Toolen in 2016. Hoover won the championship in 2015, beating Mountain Brook 50-43.

At Central-Phenix City, where he replaced Bobby Wright when he retired after 32 years, Burkett took the Red Devils to the final four in 2023, 2024 and 2025 – where he lost in the finals to his former team in ‘23 and again to Hoover in the semifinals the next two seasons.

General

Tuscaloosa’s popular ‘upscale dive bar’ closing forever after Alabama A-Day celebration

Pour out one for Tavern 1831 – the Tuscaloosa watering hole will close on Saturday, according to its owners.

The bar, at 2304 4th St., will host one last crawfish boil on the same day as the University of Alabama’s A-Day.

Plates will be available to eat on-site or take to-go. Happy hour priced drinks will be served until 8 p.m.

“We have decided that our A Day Crawfish boil on Saturday, April 12th, will be our last day at 1831,” according to an announcement on the establishment’s Facebook page.

“We are sad but, at the same time, excited to put more time and energy into our other downtown business. We hope you can make it out to say hello, enjoy a cold beer, and eat some mudbugs! It was a good run, and we couldn’t thank everyone enough.”

Owners Cliff and Anne Clark, who have owned the tavern since 2014, said their design was “an upscale dive bar, which came to life with much construction, painting, staining, antique shopping, and sweat.”

Several festivities are scheduled for Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the annual Tide Pride breakfast at Coleman Coliseum.

Starting at 9 a.m., Alabama will open Champions Lane, which will feature live music, autographs and more.

The Crimson Tide will hold its annual Walk of Fame ceremony at 10 a.m. at Denny Chimes, honoring 2024 captains Tyler Booker, Deonate Lawson, Jalen Milroe and Malachi Moore, with DeBoer also speaking.

Players will make the Walk of Champions at 11:35 a.m., before beginning the practice at noon. A-Day will also include home events for baseball, softball and track and field.

“The best days were game days when we would eat and drink and yell ‘Roll Tide!’ with friends and family,” the Clarks said on Facebook. “We can’t say enough thanks to our staff and loyal customers over the years. We are and will forever be connected and supportive of you.”

General

Concerned family members find man shot to death in Birmingham apartment

A man was found shot to death inside his northern Birmingham apartment after a concerned family member went to check on him.

North Precinct officers were dispatched just after 5 p.m. Thursday to a call of a person shot in the 2100 block of 29th Avenue North.

When they arrived, a family member of the victim told them he had not been heard from the entire day. The family member became concerned, broke the door down and found the victim dead inside.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said police quickly realized that officers had been dispatched to the apartment complex late Wednesday night on a report of shots fired.

“Multiple officers from North Precinct responded, got out of their patrol cars, walked this complex as well as the adjacent complex,” Fitzgerald said. “They spoke to community members to try to pinpoint where the shots came from. They walked the area where they believed the shots came from.”

Fitzgerald said numerous shots were fired.

“Detectives are trying to determine if the shooting happened inside the apartment or were there shots fired and a bullet traveled into the victim’s apartment and struck him,” he said. “That’s the unknown right now.”

There was gunfire damage to the victim’s apartment, but Fitzgerald said it’s too soon to know if the shots were fired from inside or outside.

Multiple community members have been cooperating with investigators.

“We’re just hoping we can receive more tips,‘’ he said.

The victim is the city’s 22nd homicide this year. Arrests have been made in 17 of those cases.

Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

General

AHSAA Central Board takes step to investigate high school transfers

The Alabama High School Athletic Association took a step to further regulate transfers in high school athletics.

The association announced on Thursday that the Central Board of Control has approved the launch of a task force to investigate non-complaint transfers after a unanimous vote among its members.

AHSAA executive director Heath Harmon will work with a committee that includes principals, coaches, athletic directors and superintendents across the state of Alabama.

Among those speaking of the concerns at the meeting and presenting data were Mountain Brook football coach Chris Yeager and Alma Bryant coach Bart Sessions.

“As I travel across the state to district meetings and other AHSAA events, it is clear that the issue of non-complaint transfers of student-athletes are one of our association’s biggest concerns,” Harmon said in a release. “I am proud the Central Board is setting up a Task Force. It’s not just an issue in our state. It is an issue all across the nation.”

Among the immediate changes came in the ratification of Proposal 19, which requires AHSAA schools to identify and mark all athletes who transfer to the school. Proposal 11 was also ratified, which pertains to the out-of-season transfer rule and how quickly students are eligible to play sports at their next school, but the council tabled the proposal until “ambiguous language” could be addressed.

General

Jurors see texts in woman’s Birmingham murder-for-hire trial: ‘We need the money. The work is done’

A flurry of text messages in the moments before and after Raven Swain was gunned down in an alleged murder-for-hire by her boyfriend were shown Thursday to jurors.

Demarcus Chandler, 27, is on trial for capital murder in the 2020 shooting death of the 24-year-old Swain.

Police contend Chandler, who has a lengthy criminal history and is locked up in state prison on parole violations from previous crimes, hired 28-year-old Solomon Minatee III for $8,000 to kill Swain.

Chandler, they say, allegedly orchestrated the murder, because he believed she had “ripped him off” while he was in prison.

Chandler’s attorneys from the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office claim Swain’s family never liked her dating Chandler and quickly named him to police as the likely person who would want Swain dead with no proof of his involvement.

The most chilling message shown to jurors was reportedly sent to Chandler from Minatee less than an hour after Swain was fatally shot. It read, “Bruh, we need the money. The work is done.”

The deadly shooting happened shortly after 7 p.m. on July 28, 2020, in Underwood Park on Birmingham’s Southside.

Swain, who worked at UAB Hospital, was found unresponsive in her Hyundai Sonata, which had rolled into foliage after she was shot.

She was slumped over in the driver’s seat leaning toward the passenger’s seat.

Her window was rolled down, and she had been shot under the left arm, with the bullets penetrating her heart and lung.

Swain was pronounced dead on the scene.

Chandler’s trial began earlier this week before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Michael Streety. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Deputy District Attorneys Charissa Henrichs and Isabella Colombo are prosecuting.

Chandler is represented by the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office. His defense is led by Blair Shores.

Minatee has not yet gone to trial.

Demarcus Chandler, left, Raven Swain, center, Solomon Minatee III, right. (Contributed)

Prosecutors have said that Swain and Chandler had a tumultuous relationship.

At the time of her death, he was still awaiting trial on felony charges of domestic violence strangulation/suffocation in which Swain was the victim.

Swain had also in 2019 sought a protection from abuse order against Chandler, citing multiple examples of violence including pistol-whipping and shots fired at her car. That request was ultimately dismissed.

Swain’s mother, Lolita Braxton, testified earlier this week that shots had been fired outside her home as Chandler was leaving and, in another incident, shots had been fired into her home.

In some of the text messages shown in court, Swain and Chandler were telling each other they loved each other.

Others were more hostile, with one text from Chandler to Swain saying, “Ho, Ima try calling one more time and if you don’t pick up, oh well.”

Another said, “Bitch, call me now.”

When she later told him her phone was dead, he replied, “IDGAF. Call me when you get home. Need you to handle this biz.”

Prosecutors contend that Chandler sent Swain to Underwood Park under the guise that she was doing a dope deal for him.

There were multiple messages between them, with Swain asking where she was supposed to go. Ultimately, prosecutors say, she met Minatee at the Southside park.

In one of the many message threads shown to jurors, Chandler reportedly texted Minatee at 6:46 p.m. that Tuesday saying, “I’m on the phone with Raven.”

At 6:57 p.m., Chandler texted Minatee, “I’ll call you when she pulls up.”

Then, at 7:02 p.m., Chandler texted Minatee, “She out there.”

One of the final messages that night between the two suspects was the text from Minatee to Chandler at 7:47 p.m. asking for the money.

Prosecutors have also said that moments after the deadly shooting, Chandler reached out to Swain’s family and friends to tell them she had been shot.

Testimony Thursday showed Facebook calls from Chandler to Swain’s brother just minutes after the shooting.

Prosecutors in opening statements earlier this week said Chandler posted this to Facebook minutes after Swain was killed: “God forgive. Papa don’t.”

Chandler was also charged in 2024 with conspiracy to commit murder of an Alabama Department of Corrections lieutenant who, at the direction of Birmingham investigators in Swain’s murder, searched Chandler’s cell and found a contraband cell phone authorities said was used to arrange the hit.

His charge in that case has been forwarded to a grand jury for indictment consideration.

Testimony will resume on Friday.

General

Thunderstorms with nickel-sized hail in Winston County Thursday – winds gusting up to 50 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Thursday at 6:46 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 7:15 p.m. for Winston County.

The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 50 mph and nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches).

“At 6:45 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Moreland, or 13 miles northwest of Arley, moving southeast at 60 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Houston Recreational Area, Mill Branch, Hullett Branch, Addison, Nesmith, Winston County Airport, Cane Creek, Bull Branch, Brushy Lake, Helicon, Hidden Cove Campground, Inmanfield, Ashridge, Grayson, Addison Town Hall, Sardis, Double Springs, Panther Branch, Arley and Upshaw.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for northwestern Alabama.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Slow down and drive with care:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Texas and former Alabama WR surrenders on sexual assault warrant, calls accusations ‘patently false’

Isaiah Bond turned himself in Thursday to the Frisco (Texas) Police Department on a sexual assault warrant, per NFL.com.

According to the report, which cited a Frisco PD public information officer, the Texas – and former wide receiver – posted $25,000 bail.

The 20-year-old Bond released a statement to NFL Network Insider’s Ian Rapoport.

“Regarding the accusation made against me, I would appreciate the time and opportunity to defend myself and prove the claims made, patently false,” Bond said in the statement. “I am in full cooperation with the authorities and will remain a willing and active participant in the investigation. Unfortunately, claims like these prove to be harmful to all involved, absent full review. I kindly request that all reserve judgement until the authorities provide a complete report based on truth and evidence.”

Bond caught 34 passes for 540 yards and five touchdowns as a junior last season at Texas. Prior to his stint in Austin, he played two seasons at Alabama.

The Buford, Ga., native earned a starting job in his second season with the Crimson Tide, leading the team with 48 catches for 668 yards and four touchdowns.

Bond was part of the most famous plays in Iron Bowl history when, facing fourth-and-goal from the Auburn 31, quarterback Jalen Milroe found Bond in the back of the end zone on the “Gravedigger” play that won the game and preserved Alabama’s College Football Playoff hopes.

“It’s all love from Alabama,” Bond said recently at the NFL Combine. “At the end of the day, I was there for two years. I follow my brothers. Like I said, I went there for coach Saban and I have a lot of respect and love for that guy. Like I said, going to Texas, it was the next step and I had a great experience there and a great time there.”

Bond had 99 receptions for 1,428 yards and 10 touchdowns in 41 games at Alabama and Texas.

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.

General

Update: Thunderstorms with damaging winds and golf-ball-sized hail in Blount County Thursday – gusts to hit 60 mph

The National Weather Service released an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 6:54 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 7:15 p.m. for Blount County.

Look for golf-ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 6:53 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Brooksville, or near Blountsville, moving east at 40 mph,” according to the weather service. “People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include McLarty, Strawberry, Snead, Hendrix, Brooksville, Blountsville, Susan Moore, Altoona and Walnut Grove.

The weather service states, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

Beware of rapid water flow:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay cautious:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

General

Three children dead after Florida crash involving Alabama driver

Three children are dead following a wreck in Washington County, Florida on Thursday afternoon.

According to WTVY, a Georgia woman was traveling on State Road 79 when her SUV was struck by a pickup truck driven by an Alabama man. The woman had four children in the car with her.

Both vehicles left the road before hitting an embankment but the SUV struck a tree and proceeded to flip over, the report said.

The Alabama driver sustained minor injuries but two of the children were pronounced dead at the scene while another died at a local hospital.

The condition of the remaining survivors is unknown as authorities continue to investigate the crash.

General

What Kalen DeBoer wants from his next QB

Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer has not yet shared who will be his starting quarterback in 2025, but the coach made clear what he wants from whoever gets the job.

DeBoer joined Tide 100.9 on Thursday after the third and final scrimmage of the spring, and he didn’t mince words what he’s coveting from his next signal caller.

“I think a lot of it is, we want that playmaker,” DeBoer said. “We want that guy … I don’t want just a game manager out there. If we’re going to win at the level we want to win at, we want a guy who’s going to produce and make the big plays. Obviously there’s a piece too where you can’t make the big mistakes. Especially in critical moments; whether it’s in the red zone, end of games, end of halves, things like that.”

To make sure Alabama has someone capable of getting those things done, several coaches are working with the group, including offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan.

“Nick Sheridan and Ryan Grubb just do an amazing job working together, guiding these guys in the right direction,” DeBoer said.

Alabama will hold A-Day on Saturday, which will also be formatted like a practice, not a game. It will provide a glimpse of Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.

As for where the competition stands heading into A-Day, DeBoer said all three are getting better. There doesn’t seem to be a clear answer yet, though.

“People want to know a decision and things like that,” DeBoer said. “For us, you don’t feel like they’re to the point where there’s separation, where there’s a ceiling that they’ve hit. I think it would be pretty foolish for us to make a decision right now. We have plenty of time still to work through it and let these guys continue to work through the summer.”

DeBoer said all three are talented and he loves “the direction they’re going.”

“Similar in being able to pass and that kind of being the priority as far as what they do but also different in a few things and how they get the ball moved down the field sometimes and what their favorite throws are and so forth,” DeBoer said. “That keeps us from having to, because they are so similar, worry about changing who we are, what our philosophy is, so we’re just going to let these guys continue to compete. They do it in a healthy way. They’re there for each other, but they’re also competing. Love what they’re doing. A lot of positives.”

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for Follow him on X and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.