"Their standard is still the same": Five-star recruit Bralan Womack impressed with Kalen DeBoer's Alabama ahead of return visit

By Maliha

Modified Sep 26, 2024 11:46 GMT

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Bralan Womack is one of the many impressed by Alabama's start to the 2024 season. Ahead of the campaign, much gossip was about a successful transition from the Nick Saban era to the Kalen DeBoer era. Despite the massive shoes to fill, DeBoer has impressed early by guiding the Crimson Tide to a 3-0 start.

Off the field, DeBoer and his staff continue Saban’s tradition of securing top-tier talent, with a prime example being five-star athlete Bralan Womack. Womack visited Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s game against USF on Sept. 7, where the Crimson Tide secured a dominant 42-16 victory. He felt the same winning vibes from Alabama.

"The name across their chest," Womack told SI. "Just because coach (Nick) Saban is gone... their standard is still the same and nothing has changed."

Saban, of course, established a legacy at Alabama that few can match, winning six national championships and turning the program into the gold standard of college football.

Replacing such a figure is no small feat, but early signs point to DeBoer and his coaching staff successfully carrying the torch. Like many, Womack sees the potential in the new coach's leadership.

"They are doing a great job," Womack said. "It’s hard to come in and try and reach coach Saban’s greatness, but coach DeBoer hasn’t lost yet so him and the staff are off to a great start."

Alabama is preparing to face No. 2 Georgia in a highly anticipated matchup this weekend. Womack plans to attend this "game of the year" clash, where several other recruits will also be in attendance.

These include Jett Washington, wide receiver Tristen Keys, cornerback Elbert Hill, linebacker Kenneth Goodwin, cornerback Joey O'Brien, safety J'Zavien Currence and cornerback Samari Matthews.

Competing against Georgia, a team that has won 49 of its last 51 games and secured two national titles, will be a big challenge for DeBoer. Georgia coach Kirby Smart, a former Saban assistant, brings a similar approach to leadership that could serve as a litmus test for DeBoer.

A sneak peek into Bralan Womack's junior season

Over the first five weeks, Bralan Womack recorded 11 total touchdowns, including five receiving touchdowns, a punt return touchdown, a kickoff return touchdown, and four pick-six touchdowns. He also recorded six interceptions and 410 receiving yards.

The 2023 season saw the prospect amass 26 total tackles and seven interceptions, along with 562 receiving yards. He has already received more than two dozen offers from college programs like Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Louisville, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Texas A&M, among others.

Bralan Womack is ranked as a safety prospect by recruiting channels. He is ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 2 safety in the 2026 class and the No. 1 recruit in Mississippi, according to ESPN. On3 places him as the No. 52 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 6 safety in the cycle and the No. 2 recruit in the state.