Theodore offensive lineman Micah DeBose’s parents, Shalimar DeBose-Chapman and Maynard Chapman, along with Theodore coach Steve Mask, applaud after DeBose signed with Alabama on Wednesday. (Arthur L. Mack/Call News)
By ARTHUR L. MACK
THEODORE — Theodore offensive tackle Micah DeBose, one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects in the 2025 class, signed with Alabama Wednesday and called it a dream come true.
DeBose (6-5, 315), who played for Vigor before transferring to Theodore for his senior year, joins a loaded Crimson Tide recruiting class that includes five-star lineman Michael Carroll, four-star lineman Jackson Lloyd and three-star lineman Mal Waldrep.
“The fact that I can fight for a spot (on the offensive line) is sweeter and it’s well-earned,” DeBose said. “It feels good to have a dream come true.”
DeBose, a four-star prospect who committed to Alabama in June after flipping from Georgia one year ago this month, was one of former Tide coach Nick Saban’s prize recruits.
In his senior year at Theodore, DeBose, who was ranked as the No. 13 prospect in the state and the No. 18 offensive tackle in the 2025 recruiting class, graded 90% with 74 pancake blocks and 32 knockdown blocks.
DeBose thanked God as well as his Bobcats teammates and Theodore coach Steve Mask for making him feel welcome.
“The football season didn’t go as was planned but the relationships that I gained for being here, that was a blessing,” he said. “I also want to thank my brothers at Vigor, too, as well as my dad and my mom. Football has been very special to me. With the hard work, I got recognized but it’s not over yet. I have to go to college and put in more work (because) it’s harder than it is now.
“I’m excited to be at Bama because it’s Alabama. Alabama runs the ball a lot. Jalen Milroe can take off and run with it. With the other quarterbacks, it’s going to be more through the air but I feel like I can fit in pretty good with them.”
Mask said DeBose has a great future with the Tide.
“I know he’s going to do extremely well,” Mask said. “To be chosen to become a member of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide is an honor that should not be taken lightly. It’s a place that’s well-known for signing only the best of the best. Micah has demonstrated throughout his career that he is one of the best of the best. We’re excited for him, we’re excited to watch him play, we’re excited to watch him grow and become the man he’s going to be.”
Mask said DeBose benefitted from supportive parents and mentoring from former Vigor coach Markus Cook.
“Coach Cook has taken a personal interest in Micah from an early age all the way through high school and has continued to be a mentor to Micah along the way,” Mask said.
Cook, who attended the signing, said he is thrilled about DeBose’s future.
“Me and Micah started the journey when he was 10 years old,” Cook said. “His mom brought him to me. We worked on his developments from there and I’m proud of his accomplishments. He works very hard and if he continues to keep doing what he’s doing, he’s going to be very successful.”
DeBose said Cook has been a father figure to him.
“Every day, I can call him on just about anything,” DeBose said. “It’s good to have somebody like that in your life, especially a male figure like that. He put in so much work and developed me into the man I am today.”
