The first week of the Karen DeBoer era was not without its trials and tribulations.

As the additional 30-day portal window continues to pull players from the roster, battle lines are being drawn on who will leave and who will be part of a new era of Crimson Tide football.

But for star linebacker and Mobile native Deonte Lawson, staying at Alabama is the only option.

“We've had some players leave the team and we wish them the best, but it doesn't reflect the standards at Alabama and our belief that Coach DeBoer is going to win us championships and get us where we want to be.” It doesn't change anything,” Lawson said. Said.

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“We know what we can accomplish and we know he's won everywhere he's been. We're going to keep doing this. It's a great story. It's going to be, and we're ready for it.”

Lawson's fellow linebacker, Jihad Campbell, posted a video on Monday with the caption “BAMA FOR LIFE,” saying inside linebacker is one of the positions new head coach Karen DeBoer doesn't have to worry about replacing. It showed that there is.

BAMA for life🤞🏽🐘 pic.twitter.com/vLTKliUVbL

— Jihad Campbell (@RealJihaadC) January 15, 2024

As Alabama moves into its next era, having leaders like Lawson and Campbell will be critical.

Considering all of the bad news the program received last week, Bama fans can take solace in the fact that two of their most important defenders and leaders will be back.

Michael Brauner is a senior sports analyst and contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP