Kalen DeBoer hasn’t had any issues recruiting since he arrived in Tuscaloosa last offseason, but through his first two recruiting cycles, he’s had particular success at the most important position on the field. Now, he and his staff look to be in the early mix for the top passer in the 2027 class, five-star Elijah Haven.
Haven recently visited Tuscaloosa, where he received an offer from the Alabama coaching staff. In an interview with Touchdown Alabama, he revealed that DeBoer’s staff is one of the primary draws to the Tide. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound high school junior won’t be easy to pluck out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but from Haven’s comments, the Tide look to be off to a great start.
The Dunham School (LA) ‘27 5 star Quarterback Elijah Haven gives his thoughts on Kalen DeBoer & the Crimson Tide. @elijahhaven05
— Larry Rudolph (@ScoutFball) August 4, 2025
“Alabama is a great program. You see the historic success they have had. As far as development, they are top notch.” pic.twitter.com/vrXrhNYqid
Elijah Haven impressed by Kalen DeBoer and Alabama’s coaching staff
In the interview, Haven acknowledged what is undeniable about DeBoer. The man knows the quarterback position. After developing Michael Penix Jr. into a first-round NFL Draft pick, DeBoer arrived in Tuscaloosa and quickly landed the No. 2 QB in the 2025 class, Keelon Russell. Then, Alabama added two four-star QBs in 2026 before beginning their pursuit of Haven.
The introduction of revenue-sharing into college football has brought the sport closer to some semblance of competitive balance, but with third-party NIL collectives, the richest programs have an opportunity to legally circumvent the cap and outspend even the Crimson Tide.
Yet, without one of the most robust NIL war chests in the country, DeBoer is heading towards his second top-five class in the country, and could claim the No. 1 QB in the 2027 class, and Haven explained exactly why. “As far as development, they’re top notch.”
There are two ways to earn big money in football: cashing in at the collegiate level or picking the best program to develop for the NFL. Alabama can certainly offer significant upfront payments, but to maintain its place as a destination for elite recruits, DeBoer and his staff must maintain their reputation as high-level developers. At least for the 2027 class, that reputation appears to be intact.
Jett Thomalla and Tayden Kaawa, Alabama’s two 2026 QB commits, will provide the program with significant long-term depth and developmental upside. However, the program is likely to be Russell’s after sitting behind Ty Simpson this year. If Russell can then hand the reins to Haven as he heads for the NFL, Alabama will be well established as a quarterback factory, as it was when the baton was being passed from Jalen Hurts, to Tua Tagovailoa, to Mac Jones, to Bryce Young.