Deontae Lawson to be First Ever Alabama Player to Wear No. 0

OXFORD, MS - NOVEMBER 12: Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (32) reacts after a defensive stand during a college football game against the Mississippi Rebels on November 12, 2022 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)

There was some big news to come out of roster updates in Tuscaloosa, with many players electing to change numbers as well as finding out numbers for incoming players.

But the biggest piece of news come via one of Alabama’s best players on defense.

Star linebacker Deontae Lawson will wear No. 0 this season, becoming the first Alabama player to do so since it became allowed before the 2021 season.

Previously, players were not allowed to wear No. 0 on the football field, but even once it became allowed it was not approved by Nick Saban for anyone to do so.

Now, Lawson, who has worn No. 32 in the past, is making the switch under new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Lawson’s running mate at inside linebacker Jihaad Campbell is also making a number switch, swapping his No. 30 jersey out for No. 11.

Defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis is also switching from No. 91 to No. 11, along with fellow defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham going from No. 93 to No. 20.

It’s certainly a new era in Tuscaloosa, and many players on the team are beginning a new era with new numbers as well.