"You can probably imagine what that's gonna be": Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer raves about his 5-star OT signee 

Kalen DeBoer’s debut season as Alabama’s coach is already generating significant buzz, particularly with the addition of five-star offensive tackle Jackson Lloyd.

The 6-foot-7, 285-pound offensive tackle from Carmel, California, is not only the No. 4 overall recruit in California’s Class of 2025 but also a multi-sport standout. Lloyd’s athleticism has captivated DeBoer, who praised him after signing his letter of intent to play for the Crimson Tide.

“Just to be really blunt, I mean, you see his size, and you flip on the film, that's one thing, you see his athleticism,” DeBoer told reporters on Wednesday. “But you look at basketball, baseball, football — the guy is an athlete.

In addition to excelling on the gridiron, Lloyd led his high school basketball team to a Central Coast Section championship and has proven his skills on the baseball diamond.

Kalen DeBoer first noticed Lloyd during his time as Fresno State’s head coach at a youth camp. Since then, the coach has been impressed by Lloyd’s physical attributes and relentless dedication.

"So you got this big body," DeBoer added. "Then you got this athlete and you've got a mindset. I don't know if there's ever been a time where I haven't talked to him — and I know there is — but where I haven't either called him or he's texted me and I texted back. So you just love that about him that he just loves the grind."

Lloyd’s signing with Alabama marks a historic moment as he becomes the first football player from Monterey County to join the Crimson Tide or any team in the Southeastern Conference.

"Now that he really just focuses on football you can probably imagine what that's gonna be when you get a year-round program here just focusing on that alone," DeBoer said.

Kalen Deboer's playoff hopes hinge on ACC championship outcome

The No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide will be closely monitoring Saturday’s ACC Championship Game, as its outcome could significantly influence their College Football Playoff chances.

If No. 8 SMU secures a victory, Alabama’s path to the playoffs becomes almost certain. However, a win by No. 17 Clemson could spark debates over whether Alabama or SMU deserves the final playoff spot.

With Alabama sitting out the SEC Championship Game this year, Kalen DeBoer plans to use the free weekend to stay tuned in. During an appearance on SEC Network, Paul Finebaum asked DeBoer if he would watch the ACC matchup.

“This time of the year, there’s work, like you said, happening,” DeBoer said. "But you’re going to try to make sure your schedule is available to where you have eyes on the TV one way or another to see what’s going on, just as a fan of football now."

No. 17 Clemson takes on No. 8 SMU in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT in Charlotte, airing on ABC.