"That's how connected he is" - Alabama transfer DL LT Overton opens up about having HC Kalen DeBoer on Snapchat
New Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer had a rough start to his Crimson Tide career, with several prospects entering the transfer portal after the sudden retirement of former coach Nick Saban. DeBoer had to start some recruitment pitches from scratch, and he has hit the recruitment trail hard since then.
He has managed to convince several wavering student-athletes, like wide receiver Ryan Williams, to recommit to Alabama while using new and inventive means to stay in touch with his recruits.
Times have changed in Tuscaloosa from notoriously tech-shy Saban's time. Defensive lineman LT Overton, who transferred from the Texas A&M Aggies, revealed to Crimson Drive that coach Kalen DeBoer stays connected to his players in an unusual manner.
"I have DeBoer's number," Overton said. "Never had a head coach on Snapchat. Have DeBoer's Snapchat. It's crazy. That's how connected he is with his players. I love his vibe. He brings in a younger generational vibe. He makes sure it's not just one-sided. He's around everybody. From walk-ons to o-line and d-line. Not just offense but everybody."
Kalen DeBoer uses inventive ways to recruit
Kalen DeBoer is under pressure to win with Alabama, and he is using all of the weapons in his arsenal to convince prospects to come to Tuscaloosa. He recently used Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., whom he coached at Washington, to speak to potential recruits.
The coach has managed to convince players who had entered the transfer portal after Nick Saban's retirement to come back to Alabama. Some of them include Kadyn Proctor, Chuck McDonald, Mal Waldrep and Keelon Russell.
DeBoer has also snagged the commitments of Keon Sabb, Austin Mack, Kin Mack and Geno VanDeMark. The class that Alabama has recruited is being touted as a potential top-five class by 247Sports.
During an interview with On3, analyst Tim Watts of Bama Online revealed that DeBoer's staff have been putting in such immense effort to convince recruits to join that they committed right after visiting the campus.
“We looked up a week before spring was over, and they had basically had all their top targets on campus,” Watts said. “So it started there, working the phones, and building those relationships. I think they do a really good job of not only working with the kid but getting everybody on board.”
Kalen DeBoer still has a long way to go to catch up with master recruiter Nick Saban, who managed to lure 73 5-star and 263 4-star talents to Tuscaloosa, but he has made an encouraging start.