Transfers that could be one and done for Alabama in 2024.
Alabama was very selective in its transfer portal usage under Coach Nick Saban. Saban already had rosters loaded with talent and never needed to bring in an influx of transfers, instead opting to strategically shore up weaknesses across the lineup.
In the long term, I expect Coach Kalen DeBoer to deploy a similar strategy. In his first offseason with the program, however, DeBoer had to take on more transfers than normal to account for the roster turnover that occurred due to the Alabama coaching change.
Under Saban, impact transfers like Jameson Williams (2021) and Jahmyr Gibbs (2022) were so successful that they only stayed in Tuscaloosa for one year.
Williams led Alabama with 1,542 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 2021, adding two more scores on kick returns. The speedy wideout was a first team All-American, a Biletnikoff Award finalist, and was well on his way to leading Alabama to a national championship before an untimely knee injury ended his season prematurely. Even with a torn ACL, Williams became a first round NFL draft pick that spring.
Jahmyr Gibbs had a similar impact on the Alabama offense in 2022, leading the Tide in rushing yards (926) as well as receptions (44). For the season, he posted 1,628 all-purpose yards with 10 touchdowns, becoming a second team All-American and a first round draft pick.
Can any of the Tide’s 14 incoming transfers have this level of success in 2024?
Several, such as tackle Kadyn Proctor, safeties King Mack and Kam Howard, quarterback Austin Mack, and offensive lineman Naquil Betrand are only entering their second seasons of college football. This means that they have to stay in school at least through the 2025 season regardless of their success. On the other hand, kicker Graham Nicholson only has one year of eligibility and must leave after 2024 regardless. None of these players meet the one and done criteria.
Others, like cornerback DaShawn Jones, offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark, tight end Josh Cuevas, and defensive lineman LT Overton will not enter 2024 with clearly defined prominent roles. Of course, any of them could burst onto the scene, but they will each enter this season as depth pieces or will be competing for a starting role.
