Alabama Linebacker Deontae Lawson Reflects on Returning to Oklahoma After Season-Ending Injury

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - 13 months ago, Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson saw his season end with a knee injury in Norman, Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide went on to lose 24-3 in Norman, ending any chance the Crimson Tide had at making the College Football Playoff and the SEC championship.

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13 months later, Lawson is back, starting in the middle of Kane Wommack's defense, and Alabama again travels to Norman, Oklahoma, with its season on the line in the College Football Playoff. A loss would end Lawson's stellar senior season, where Alabama is pursuing its first national championship under head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Tide's season comes down to what happens on the field in Norman, and it will surely be emotional for Lawson no matter the outcome.

"Man, God is great. Looking back, and just knowing where my headspace was, it just put me in a different perspective," Lawson said on Monday. "Just even going out there and practicing today, flying around, and trying to bring guys with me cuz I can. It's just no feeling, to be honest. It's a feeling I can't explain. I'm excited to go back, take it all in, and I know I'll give it all I got, for sure."

Lawson has been the second-leading tackler for the Crimson Tide with 66 total tackles. He's broken up three passes, recovered two fumbles, and forced one fumble for the Crimson Tide as a redshirt senior. Lawson's senior season landed him as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.

Alabama will face Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Friday, December 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT.

Our coverage of the first round of the College Football Playoff between Alabama and Oklahoma is brought to you by Pearl River Resort and the Sportsbook at Golden Moon Casino.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.