Under Coach Nick Saban, Alabama has traditionally been very discerning in its use of the transfer portal. With a roster already brimming with talent, Saban focused on strategically addressing specific needs rather than overhauling his team with numerous transfers. This approach allowed Alabama to integrate impact players like Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs, who each made significant contributions in their single seasons with the Tide.
Williams, a dynamic wide receiver, had a standout year in 2021, leading the team with 1,542 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, plus two more scores on kick returns. His performance earned him a spot as a first-team All-American and a Biletnikoff Award finalist. Despite a season-ending knee injury, Williams was selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Similarly, Gibbs made a notable impact in 2022, topping the team in rushing yards (926) and receptions (44). His impressive 1,628 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns helped him secure a second-team All-American honor and a first-round draft pick status.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Coach Kalen DeBoer is expected to adopt a similar strategy, though his first offseason involved a higher volume of transfers due to roster turnover from the previous Alabama coaching staff. The current roster includes 14 incoming transfers, but not all are likely to match the impact of Williams and Gibbs.
Some of these transfers, such as tackle Kadyn Proctor, safeties King Mack and Kam Howard, quarterback Austin Mack, and offensive lineman Naquil Betrand, are only in their second year of college football. These players will need to remain in school at least through the 2025 season, regardless of their performance. Conversely, kicker Graham Nicholson, with only one year of eligibility, will be leaving after the 2024 season and does not fit the “one-and-done” profile.
Several other transfers, including cornerback DaShawn Jones, offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark, tight end Josh Cuevas, and defensive lineman LT Overton, are expected to provide depth or compete for starting roles without guaranteed prominent positions this season. Although they might emerge as key players, they will start the year with less defined roles.
The transfers most likely to be one-and-done are junior wide receiver Germie Bernard, redshirt sophomore center Parker Brailsford, junior cornerback Domani Jackson, and redshirt sophomore safety Keon Sabb. All four are expected to start in 2024 and could become high draft prospects if they perform well. Brailsford, a standout center from Washington, will anchor the offensive line and vie for the 2024 Rimington Award. Jackson, a highly touted recruit from the 2022 class, has the chance to validate his first-round pick projections as Alabama’s top cornerback. Bernard and Sabb, who played supporting roles at their previous schools, will now take on expanded roles on a title-contending team.
Among these, Bernard and Jackson appear to have the highest potential for a breakout season and could be the most likely to declare for the NFL draft after 2024.
Leave a Reply