As Kalen DeBoer enters his second year as Alabama’s head coach in 2025, college football analyst Josh Pate has identified a key area of improvement for the Crimson Tide. On The Next Round, Pate predicts a significant shakeup in Alabama’s defensive back (DB) room, highlighting its potential to transform the team’s defense.
Josh Pate Says Alabama’s DB Room Is Set for a Shakeup Under Kalen DeBoer
Josh Pate, a respected voice in college football from “Late Kick with Josh Pate,” shared his insights on The Next Round, stating, “I actually think it’s the DB room… There are guys they started last year that, through no fault of their own, will be challenged for playing time this year.” This prediction comes after Alabama’s 2024 season, where the secondary struggled with depth and cohesion, finishing with a 9-4 record under DeBoer’s first year.
“Where do you think [Kalen DeBoer] sees the most improvement coming into his second year?” @jimdunaway
“I think it’s the DB room…
There are guys they started last year that, through no fault of their own, will be challenged for playing time this year…” @JoshPateCFB pic.twitter.com/0LI17LRx6z
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) May 5, 2025
Pate attributes this anticipated shakeup to adding “quality depth” in the DB room, a stark contrast to recent years, which have been impacted by the transfer portal. He noted, “When you lose nobody, that’s very, very meaningful in a position room in the portal.”
Alabama’s ability to retain talent and strategic recruiting has set the stage for increased competition among defensive backs, potentially elevating the unit’s performance in the SEC.
A key figure in this transformation is true freshman Dijon Lee, a 6’4” five-star cornerback from the 2025 class, whom Pate describes as a future “stud.” Alongside returning players like Bray Hubbard, who recorded 31 tackles and two interceptions in 2024, Pate believes: “That room is the most improved on the team,” signaling a brighter future for Alabama’s defense.
Emerging Talent and Continuity Fuel Optimism for 2025
Dijon Lee’s arrival has already generated buzz, with defensive coordinator Kane Wommack praising his maturity and comparing him to freshman standout Zabien Brown. Lee’s size and skill address Alabama’s need for physicality in the secondary, especially against pass-heavy SEC offenses.
Bray Hubbard’s emergence as a playmaker in 2024, following Sabb’s injury, provides continuity. Former Alabama safety Will Lowery called Hubbard a “bonafide playmaker,” and his experience will be crucial as younger players like Lee integrate into the lineup, according to RollTide.com’s coverage of DeBoer’s staff updates.
DeBoer himself emphasized the importance of continuity in 2025, noting that his staff can now focus on progress rather than teaching new concepts. With an expanded coaching staff of 13 assistants, Alabama’s DB room is poised to benefit from specialized attention, setting the stage for a potential defensive resurgence.
KEEP READING: Kalen DeBoer Reveals 2 Key Returnees Who Transformed Linebacker Group in Alabama
Josh Pate’s prediction of a major shakeup in Alabama’s DB room underscores the potential for a defensive turnaround in 2025. With emerging talents like Dijon Lee, returning contributors like Bray Hubbard, and DeBoer’s focus on continuity, Alabama’s secondary could become a strength, positioning the Crimson Tide for success in the SEC and beyond.
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