When Saraland, Alabama, defensive lineman Antonio Coleman announced on social media on Saturday that he was leaving Auburn, Alabama football gained its third commitment in the Class of 2025.
Coleman is ranked as the 15th best defensive lineman in the class by 247Sports Composite, with a stat line of 6-2 and 285 pounds. On September 11 of last year, he committed to Alabama, but on December 22, he switched to Auburn. Freddie Roach, the defensive line coach for the Crimson Tide, was rewarded for his persistence during the recruiting process with a recommitment. Ryan Williams, a 2024 five-star Alabama recruit, plays with Coleman, who finished his junior year at Saraland with 62 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks.
Kalen DeBoer, the recently appointed football coach at Alabama, may be starting his dream job, but it didn’t make leaving his Washington Huskies players behind any easier.
In Tuscaloosa on Monday, 49-year-old DeBoer sent a heartfelt message back to the Seattle Huskies locker room during his first press conference.
“I just wanted to tell you guys I love ya, I will miss ya, and, you know, I want nothing but the best for everyone back there,” DeBoer continued, aware that others were watching.
A day earlier, DeBoer had told his now-former Huskies teammates that, after Washington’s thrilling 2023 season, which included a Pac-12 Championship and a trip to the College Football Playoff championship, he would be taking Nick Saban’s place at Alabama.
In addition, he sent a heartfelt letter to his new Crimson Tide teammates, who are still adjusting to Saban’s departure.
