Alabama picked up its first in-state commitment in the 2021 class from four-star linebacker Deontae Lawson late last month.

The Mobile (Ala.) Mobile Christian School standout is coming off a junior season that saw him amass 144 tackles, including seven tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and three interceptions.

Lawson has over two dozen offers to his name, but it was more of an in-state storyline come commitment time.

“I had always been an Auburn fan, but I always wanted to play for Alabama if that makes sense,” Lawson told BamaOnLine. “It’s kind of weird. It’s been a dream for me. To have the opportunity for my dream to come true is incredible.”

The Crimson Tide offered Lawson last May ahead of the Tigers.

“Just the success of their program,” he said of picking the Tide. “I want to be a part of something special, not saying Auburn doesn’t have a great program. But Alabama has a great program. I’ve been there a lot on visits, to games, and I just love the culture there.”

Growing up, Lawson admired former Alabama All-American linebacker Reggie Ragland. Seeing him play and the success of the program Nick Saban runs were two big selling points. Saban stopped in at Mobile Christian last month to evaluate Lawson.

“It was crazy. He came to my school,” Lawson said. “My friends told me Nick Saban was here. I was just shocked.”

When the four-star in-state standout has been able to speak with Saban on visits to Tuscaloosa, the message from the UA coach has been consistent.

“He just tells me they want me, and I’m a big-time guy on their recruiting board, just stuff like that,” Lawson said. “How Alabama is not only for football, but it can help you on and off the field.”

Beyond the success the Tide has as a program, it was a couple of Lawson’s friends that also played a big role in opting for UA.

“I have a friend, his name is Eric (Poellnitz), he was a preferred walk-on at Alabama,” Lawson said. “Me and him have a great relationship. Then a linebacker they signed this year, Demouy Kennedy, we grew up together. He was a big influence on my decision, stuff like that.

“Me and Demouy, we always used to play with each other when we were kids. I never really knew Demouy was a football player until high school. We always communicate about colleges and stuff like that. He’s just a great friend.”

At 6-foot-3, 214 pounds, Lawson is rated the No. 16 weak-side defensive end and the No. 248 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Rankings.

The Tide pledge will be back on campus on Feb. 1 for UA’s first Junior Day of 2020.