REPORT: Pair of Alabama defenders expected to forgo NFL, return to college

This would be MASSIVE for the Alabama defense

After a flurry of players decided to enter the transfer portal on Wednesday, it is also being reported that [autotag]Nick Saban[/autotag] and the Alabama Crimson Tide are expected to return a pair of defensive players who could have opted for the NFL draft.

Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported on Wednesday evening that star linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive lineman Tim Smith are likely to return for the 2024 season instead of entering the NFL draft.

Even after missing three games with injuries, Lawson was Alabama’s second-leading tackler on the season with 67. Smith is a valuable piece along the defensive line for Alabama and wracked up 31 tackles and two sacks as a rotational player up front for the Tide.

Stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for coverage on portal entries and NFL draft decisions for the Crimson Tide.

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