Kalen DeBoer at SEC Media Days 2024: 3 interesting things Alabama HC said at Dallas event
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer made his first-ever appearance at SEC Media Days 2024 on Wednesday morning. The upcoming season will be the first with DeBoer as the head coach after Nick Saban's retirement following the conclusion of last season.
The former Washington coach drew lots of attention, and many were eager to hear what the new man in charge of the Crimson Tide had to say.
Here are three interesting things that Kalen DeBoer said during SEC Media Days 2024 in Dallas, TX.
3 interesting things Kalen DeBoer said during SEC Media Days 2024
#1. Thanking Nick Saban
Towards the end of DeBoer's opening statement at SEC Media Days 2024, he spoke about Nick Saban.
"...I think on behalf of everyone with Alabama football and the University of Alabama, we appreciate everything Coach has done to make this foundation strong to where we can continue to build on it, continue to help make those that are supportive of our program proud, and just appreciate all those years and hard work that's been put into this," DeBoer said (via secsports.com)
Saban had been with the program since 2007 and won six national titles with a 206-29 record.
DeBoer was asked later about the areas he is most similar to Saban.
"Yeah, I mean, I think -- I've heard it from our guys, DeBoer said. "I know Coach Saban just poured into these guys. He loved them. He pushed them to be their best."
"... Pouring into the guys and helping them and pushing them to be at their best, holding them accountable and expecting a high level of discipline while also trying to build a brotherhood and a family that exists through great team chemistry to be great on the football field when it matters most."
#2. Alabama's leader in the secondary
Defensive back Malachi Moore will be returning for his fifth season with Alabama in 2024 and is one of the top players in the country at his position. DeBoer spoke about Moore's work ethic during SEC Media Days 2024.
"I guess just think about Malachi and very similar to Jalen [Milroe], they love the game," DeBoer said. ... "He brings a smile to it. He's determined. He's a beast on the football field, and he hits you with everything he's got."
He would continue to talk about the value of Moore's leadership on the field and his role within the program.
"He's helping grow a secondary around him that's got some youth, and he's taking that and putting it on his shoulders," DeBoer said. ... "He knows he's one of the faces of the program and takes that responsibility in a strong way."
#3. His starting quarterback this season
Alabama's starting quarterback, Jalen Milroe, will return for his fourth season in 2024. He finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting last season, throwing for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns.
DeBoer highlighted Milroe's leadership.
"Positive but also accountability, that mix of everything that great leaders do. Building up their teammates but also just reminding them of what it's going to take for us to reach the goals that we have. He does a great job of balancing that. I think he's grown in a lot of ways when it comes to that area."
Milroe currently ranks fourth in 2024 Heisman Trophy odds behind Carson Beck, Dillon Gabriel and Quinn Ewers, according to BetMGM.
What do you think was the most interesting topic covered by Kalen DeBoer during SEC Media Days 2024? Let us know in the comments.