Mobile Christian 2021 linebacker Deontae Lawson says his recruitment is still open.

But ….

“I can’t see myself de-committing,” Lawson said at the ASWA Player of the Year banquet in Montgomery last week.

The 4-star prospect committed to Alabama on Dec. 27.

“I still plan on taking visits, but my heart is pretty set,” he told AL.com.

The 6-foot-3, 214-pound Lawson led Mobile Christian to the Class 3A championship game last month. He was a first-team ASWA Class 3A All-State selection and a first-team AL.com All-Coastal Alabama selection.

He also was named the 3A Lineman of the Year.

“I feel like as a team we accomplished a lot,” Lawson said of the Leopards’ season. “We still came up a little short. That’s tough. Next year, we are going to win it. Mark my words.”

Mobile Christian led throughout most of the 3A championship game but lost 26-24 when the Bulldogs scored with less than a minute remaining.

Lawson finished the 2019 season with 101 tackles solo tackles and 33 assists. He also had a sack and four tackles for a loss. He played an increasing role on offense, rushing for 10 touchdowns out of the Wildcat for the Leopards. He could play either inside or outside for the Tide.

Lawson said the reaction from his family and friends following his commitment has been encouraging.

“Everyone is proud, really proud,” he said. “It’s really just a blessing to have this opportunity.”

Lawson received his first offer from Tennessee as a freshman. His numerous other offers include Auburn, LSU, Georgia, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Oregon and Florida State.

He said attending Alabama has long been a dream for him.

“I just love everything about the school – the way the football program is, the coaches, everything,” he said.

Lawson is the No. 8 junior recruit in the state, according to the 247 composite rankings. He is one of five Mobile-area players currently listed among the state’s top 12 2021 prospects. The others are Blount DT and Auburn commit Lee Hunter (3), McGill-Toolen WR and Tennessee commit Jordan Mosley (7), Blount RB Jarris Williams (11) and Chickasaw DE Baryle Davenport (12).

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