The transfer portal may not have been what the University of Alabama had initially hoped for, but Kalen DeBoer is stacking wins for his recruitment resume.
The Offseason of Kalen DeBoer has continued to gain prominence.
First he signed a lucrative extension to remain the head coach at the University of Alabama, then he received a commitment from the nation’s top rated quarterback in the 2027 Freshman Class in Elijah Haven.
Next on board?
Four-star linebacker Kenneth Simon II.
Simon was recently predicted to land in Tuscaloosa by Rivals’ VP of National Recruiting, Steve Wiltfong, and it was largely in part to Simon’s relationship with Alabama linebacker coach Chuck Morrell.
Morrell had initially visited Simon in his hometown of Brentwood, TN earlier this year, and the two hit it off.
Then once Simon visited Tuscaloosa, that bond became unbreakable.
"Just the relationship I have been able to build with coach Chuck over the time since they started recruiting me," he told Bama247 after committing to the Crimson Tide. "Just how comfortable I was able to get being down to campus so many times, being around the coaching staff and then also what I say all the time. The standard they are held to at Alabama and that 'Bama has been held to at least since I was born. It has been so high and something I want to be part of."
He continued: “Me and coach Chuck's relationship, it's grown so much just from the time they started recruiting me," Simon said. "It will continue to grow. The main message they have been telling me is reminding me that I am a main priority for them. That they want me in their program and that is always good to hear."
What Gump Nation would be elated to hear is that, Simon is the son of a former Tennessee Volunteer, and current Tennessee Director of Player Development, Kevin Simon.
The elder Simon played in the NFL for four years as a linebacker with the then-Washington Redskins. During his playing days as a Vol, he also received an All-SEC selection on two separate occasions.
Simon has been labeled as a “chameleon defender,” which often highlights his elite athleticism, in which 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins, writing that he “displays an impressive downhill thrust.”
In addition, he also has the ability to alter positions depending on the situation, and propensity to play every down.
It’s a massive get for the Crimson Tide, who are continuing to stack wins this offseason, and even more to win a recruiting battle against one of their biggest SEC-rivals.
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