Where Roman Harper Ranks Kalen DeBoer's Debut

After receiving the biggest headlines from the offseason, Alabama was finally ready to take the field in their Week 1 matchup against Western Kentucky. The Tide opened the season with a dominate 63-0 win.

This game marked the beginning of the Kalen DeBoer era, which the media has both praised and criticized the program for his hire.

Former Alabama star Roman Harper met with The Next Round and discussed DeBoer's debut and ranked his performance.

Harper ranked DeBoer's debut as an A-, and would highlight a few key areas on which the Tide either produced, or felt it needed work.

He would give criticism to the offense, first and foremost. Harper saw the offense out of rhythm most times, and claimed the pregame injury to Kadyn Proctor possibly playing a factor in that. He noted bad snaps and a fumble by quarterback Jalen Milroe, which the Tide struggled with last year, but expects them to clean it up if they want to have success for the rest of the season.

He would then praise the defense for their shutout performance. As the game got late and fresh bodies got onto the field, Alabama never slowed down and stuck to their assignments.

Harper would then be asked about which defensive position group surprised him the most from Week 1, to which Harper responded, "the defensive line." He would also credit Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson for their performances as well.

All in all, Harper would offer much praise to the Tide from their Week 1 shutout, and if they have a few tweaks on the offensive side, Alabama could be a force to be reckoned with in 2024.

Related: Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell Gives Short Statement on USF Matchup