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Mobile Christian 4-star LB Deontae Lawson commits to Alabama (AL.com | segments)
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Lawson (8) returns blocked punt for TD.
2021 4-star linebacker Deontae Lawson committed to Alabama late Friday afternoon over SEC rivals Auburn, LSU, Geaorgia and Tennessee. “It’s crazy,” Lawson told AL.com. “I felt the time was right. I can’t wait to fit into that program and be a part of what Coach Saban has built. I was just ready to do it. It feels awesome.”
The 6-foot-3, 214-pound Lawson led Mobile Christian to the Class 3A championship game earlier this month. He was a first-team ASWA Class 3A All-State selection and a first-team AL.com All-Coastal Alabama selection.
Lawson finished the 2019 season with 101 tackles solo tackles and 33 assists. He also had a sack and four tackles for a loss. He played an increasing role on offense, rushing for 10 touchdowns out of the Wildcat for the Leopards.
Lawson could end up playing inside or outside LB for the Tide. “I think it’s going to be wherever I feel more comfortable and they feel more comfortable putting me,” Lawson said. “If I grow more, I could play outside. If I stay the same height, I will probably stay inside. I’m fine wherever.”
Mobile Christian HC Ronnie Cottrell described Lawson as "a complete player, quite simply, a winner. He is a guy who is extremely competitive. He shows up. When the game is at the highest point, he plays. What is remarkable is I think he has a very high ceiling. He’ll have a lot of development that will occur over the next couple of years, and I know he wanted to go to a program that would help him with that.”
Mobile Christian DC Gus Smith compared Lawson to another player he coached – former Daphne High and Alabama standout Ryan Anderson. “When Ryan got there (to Alabama), it took him a few years to get going and find his place,” Smith said. “That could happen to Deontae. It’s hard to go to Alabama and play right away."
"He’s such a likeable kid and a hard worker. I moved him to inside linebacker this year. I’m not sure he couldn’t play that at Alabama and be a C.J. Mosley-type kid. With him and (Theodore LB and Alabama signee) Demouy (Kennedy) on the same side of the ball up there, it will be great to watch.”