Alabama Football: After K-Rob exit, latest scholarship counts
By Ronald Evans
Alabama Football is losing running back Keilan Robinson to the Transfer Portal. Unlike many players who choose an exit via the portal, K-Rob will have no problem finding a new team. He has significant upside and could become the lead back for his next team.
Crimson Tide fans don’t like losing a player of Robinson’s caliber, but the Tide’s running back competition is fierce. Nick Saban does not overuse his running backs, but there was never going to be enough carries and catches for seven running backs.
Robinson has not played for the Crimson Tide since the 2019 season. As a freshman, he played in eight games, getting 39 carries and producing 254 yards. He chose the option of sitting out the 2020 season, without losing a year of eligibility. He was ranked the No. 15 running back in the 2019 class, coming out of Washington, D.C.
The Alabama Football running back roster goes forward with great depth and talent. The Crimson Tide is fortunate that losing a potential future star in K-Rob, does little to weaken the position group.
As is the case every season, the Crimson Tide needs roster space. After adding transfer Henry To’o To’o, and the exit of Robinson, the Crimson Tide roster count is 90 scholarship players. With the allowed extra year for seniors, Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Owens can push the standard limit to 87 players for the 2021 season. Nick Saban is three over currently and a late addition of J.T. Tuimoloau (a July decision is expected) would make the over count, four scholarships.
The numbers will work out. They always do and Nick Saban and his staff do a great job helping players find other teams.
Alabama Football Scholarship Roster Counts (by position group)
Defensive Backs (16)
- Josh Jobe
- Jordan Battle
- Jalyn Armour-Davis
- Malachi Moore
- Brian Branch
- Daniel Wright
- DeMarcco Hellams
- Marcus Banks
- Kristian Story
- Jahquez Robinson
- Khyree Jackson
- Ga’Quincy McKinstry
- Terrion Arnold
- Kaine Williams
- Kadarius Calloway
- Devonta Smith
Inside Linebackers (9)
- Christian Harris
- Jaylen Moody
- Shane Lee
- Henry To’o To’o
- Demouy Kennedy
- Jackson Bratton
- Deontae Lawson
- Kendrick Blackshire
- Ian Jackson
Outside Linebackers (8)
- Will Anderson Jr.
- Chris Allen
- King Mwikuta
- Drew Sanders
- Quandarrius Robinson
- Chris Braswell
- Dallas Turner
- Keanu Koht
Defensive Line (14)
- LaBryan Ray
- D. J. Dale
- Phidarian Mathis
- Byron Young
- Tim Smith
- Stephon Wynn
- Justin Eboigbe
- Braylen Ingraham
- Jah-Marien Latham
- Jamil Burroughs
- Damon Payne
- Monkell Goodwine
- Tim Keenan
- Anquin Barnes
Offensive Line (17)
- Chris Owens
- Evan Neal
- Emil Ekiyor Jr.
- Kendall Randolph
- Pierce Quick
- Tommy Brown
- Darrian Dalcourt
- Amari Kight
- Tanner Bowles
- Seth McLaughlin
- Damieon George Jr.
- Javion Cohen
- Tommy Brockermeyer
- J.C. Latham
- Terrence Ferguson
- James Brockermeyer
- Jaedon Roberts
Tight Ends (5)
- Jahleel Billingsley
- Major Tennison
- Cameron Latu
- Caden Clark
- Robbie Ouzts
Wide Receivers (11)
- John Metchie III
- Slade Bolden
- Xavier Williams
- Jameson Williams
- Agiye Hall
- Javon Baker
- Traeshon Holden
- Thaiu Jones-Bell
- Jacorey Brooks
- JoJo Earle
- Christian Leary
Running Backs (6)
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Trey Sanders
- Jase McClellan
- Roydell Williams
- Kyle Edwards
- Camar Wheaton
Quarterbacks (3)
- Bryce Young
- Paul Tyson
- Jalen Milroe
Special Teams (1)
- Will Reichard
The tight numbers may expand and contract for another several weeks. Alabama Football will be where it needs to be before fall camp – with another loaded roster.