Kalen DeBoer’s next task is nearly done. After navigating a recruiting storm, the newest Alabama head football coach has yet to finalize his first-year staff. Yet, nearly all of his hires have publically confirmed they’ll be heading, or in some cases staying, in Tuscaloosa. On Sunday, another key piece was reportedly added.
DeBoer will appoint Jatavis Sanders as his Director of Recruiting Strategy, according to numerous publications. Sanders was appointed director of scouting at North Carolina State in February 2022. Sanders was the Wolfpack’s backup quarterback in 1999 and 2000. Sanders has served as a “recruiting specialist” for hundreds of athletes since 2009, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Sanders visited many high schools in Georgia, including Gwinnett County’s Norcross High. At NC State, Sanders’ efforts to cultivate relationships paid off as he assisted in assembling the nation’s 28th-ranked class, which is NCSU’s second-best class since 2008.
Though it was previously thought that DeBoer would try to recruit Jerret McElwain, the director of scouting for Washington, back to Alabama, it appears that DeBoer will have some familiar faces in Tuscaloosa, including general manager Courtney Morgan and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports was the first to report on Sanders’ hiring.
DeBoer stated on “The Dan Patrick Show” last week, “Coach Saban has made it that way. It’s definitely a special place.” And I found that aspect of the process of looking to be the head coach to be fascinating and interesting. He has done a fantastic job in that role, as have those who have come before him. It’s impossible to ignore the legacy he leaves behind, and continuing that tradition is my aim.
