Kalen DeBoer takes a feather out of Nick Saban's rulebook as Alabama Crimson Tide continue special tradition during fall camp
Kalen DeBoer will be tasked with the seemingly impossible challenge of replacing Nick Saban as the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2024. While DeBoer is looking to establish his own identity as he takes over the most prestigious program in college football, the incoming head coach has maintained one tradition during fall camp.
DeBoer has continued the tradition of having freshman players learn the university's fight song in camp. The tradition precedes Saban's legendary run leading the program.
Touchdown Alabama shared footage and photos of the 2024 recruiting class learning The University of Alabama's fight song "Yea, Alabama," captioning the post:
"It was a tradition before Nick Saban, during the Saban era, and now Kalen DeBoer keeps it going. Alabama freshmen players learn the Crimson Tide fight song in fall camp."
Check out footage of Alabama Crimson Tide freshman learning "Yea, Alabama" below:
The Crimson Tide 2024 freshman class consists of 38 players, including both scholarship players and walk-ons, according to the program's website. While some of the traditions that Saban maintained for his 17 seasons leading the program may no longer be in place, the tradition of having each player learn the university's fight song lives on.
Dusty Dvoracek has high expectations for the Alabama Crimson Tide under Kalen DeBoer
The Alabama Crimson Tide will have a different feel as Nick Saban will not be on the sideline for the first time since 2006. Despite his absence, Dusty Dvoracek believes the program will thrive under Kalen DeBoer. Speaking on "The Next Round," the ESPN college football analyst said:
"Most people shy away from that. This is freaking Nick Saban. The greatest, in my opinion, that's ever done it in college football... Everyone said exactly what you're saying, 'Oh my gosh, who wants to follow the guy?' Kalen DeBoer has said, 'Let's go'. Kalen DeBoer has said, 'This is a great opportunity, this is a roster that's ready to roll, this is as passionate — if not, maybe, the most passionate — fanbase in all of college football, what more could you ask for, what more could you want?'"
Dvoracek continued:
"I do appreciate and I respect the heck out of a guy who says, 'I'm not worried about who was here before. I'm focused on this opportunity at one of absolute best — if not, the best — football program in the country and I've got this opportunity in front of me, I'm going to take advantage of it'. And based off what he's saying, I don't see how it's not going to work. I know a lot of people anticipate some fall from grace. I think Alabama's going to be really good next year."
Check out Dusty Dvoracek's full comments on Kalen DeBoer below:
Dvoracek, a former Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle who spent four seasons in the NFL, predicted that the Alabama Crimson Tide would once again be in contention for a College Football Playoff appearance and another SEC Championship. The first game of the post-Nick Saban era will take place on Aug. 31 as Alabama faces the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.