Alabama’s starting tackle Tyler Booker is thrilled with what he has seen from Kalen DeBoer thus far. Even beyond the coaching change that was made in wake of Nick Saban’s retirement, the First-Team All-SEC offensive lineman is excited about the new era in Tuscaloosa.
When the greatest head coach in college football history announced his decision to step down from his post, the Crimson Tide roster was left with a decision. Players have 30 days to enter the transfer portal.
Booker is imploring his team to be patient. He hopes that his teammates will stick around through the spring to get a feel for how things will go under DeBoer. They have another opportunity to transfer when a second window opens on April 15.
The veteran leader offered his thoughts in a conversation with Yea Alabama, the university’s top NIL arm.
Coach DeBoer has already made a great first impression. The people who have entered the portal really didn’t give him a shot. They probably already had their mind made up that they were going to leave. In my mind, you’ve got to give it until the spring. You gotta give the guy a shot.
I feel like (Director of Athletics) Greg Byrne made the right hire. I’m very excited to see how successful we are with him.
— Tyler Booker, via Yea Alabama
Perhaps the most difficult part of a coaching change has to do with new personalities. DeBoer and his new players will have to get to know each other. They will have to learn about their backgrounds, their approach to the game, and who they are as people.
Booker has been glad to see that Kalen DeBoer is authentically himself. He wouldn’t want him to be anything else.
As people get to know Coach DeBoer, they’re going to realize that he’s very different than Coach Saban. But that’s a good thing. It wouldn’t be helpful for him or us if he came in here trying to be Coach Saban.
What we told him is, “Coach, just be you.”
— Tyler Booker, via Yea Alabama
Booker gave his new coach the highest of praise with his intent to stay. The rising junior is not going anywhere. He is committed to playing under DeBoer and ushering in a new era of Alabama football.
A large part of Booker’s decision stems from what he has already built and what he can continue to build if the rest of the team buys in around him. Money is not important.
Me being here so far, I have a great legacy. I’ve been blessed enough to be playing since my freshman year, started last year, and now to be considered a leader on the team in a time of transition like this, that’s my legacy. And I don’t think a dollar amount could buy my legacy away from here.
— Tyler Booker, via Yea Alabama
In a world where NIL money often drives decisions surrounding the transfer portal, Booker’s planting his flag. Mic drop!