ATLANTA − Alabama football faces a 2025 schedule that includes traditional rivals Auburn and Tennessee , as well as a high-stakes road game at Georgia. But none of them rank as the game to which Alabama football LB Deontae Lawson is most looking forward. That would be the season opener at Florida State on Aug. 30, and the June comments of Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos are the reason why.
"They don't have Nick Saban to save them. I just don't see them stopping me," Castellanos said.
Lawson, for his part, can't wait to try.
"It's definitely in the back of your mind. I won't forget what he said," Lawson said.
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For Lawson, a returning team captain at middle linebacker, playing against Florida State is about more than just sending Castellanos a message, however. A season-ending knee injury suffered against Oklahoma last year played a major role in Lawson's decision to return to Alabama rather than declaring eligibility for the NFL draft, and caused him to miss spring practice as well. He's nearing the end of the rehabilitation process, ranking himself a "9 out of 10" in terms of his readiness to play.
But Castellanos has given him every reason to be at full strength by the time the season begins.
"All disrespect will be addressed accordingly," Lawson said. "I'll just stand on that."
Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread is also the weekly co-host of Crimson Cover TV on WVUA-23. Reach him at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X.com @chasegoodbread.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football LB Deontae Lawson responds to FSU QB's brash remarks
