Some programs, like Ole Miss, rely heavily on the transfer portal to reel in experienced, highly-coveted players to rebuild. Others, like Clemson, choose to stay away from the portal, relying on the traditional method of recruiting out of high school and developing players. Then there’s Alabama.
The Crimson Tide is not a very active program when it comes to recruiting out of the portal, but the team has been able to land a few major additions that can immediately contribute.
On ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show, head coach Nick Saban explained that he utilizes the portal like how NFL teams approach free agency.
“Basically we look at the transfer portal a lot like free agency. Which means that if we have a need on our team – because if a guy is going to transfer, he probably needs to play. He’s looking for a place to play. So it’s important for him to be able to play and it’s important for you to be able to need him to play. So we look at the transfer portal like, ‘hey, if we are missing maybe a left tackle, or we are missing a linebacker on defense,’ whatever the position is, we are really searching to try to complement our roster with guys that we can get from the transfer portal.”
Alabama’s short list of transfers is full of impressive players that mostly ended up in the NFL. Wide receiver Jameson Williams, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, offensive lineman Landon Dickerson and others, just to name a few.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football as the College Football Playoffs approach.
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