Alabama Football search for new wide receiver taking a turn

A week ago the Alabama Football ‘Twitter-sphere’ and every Crimson Tide message board was all abuzz about one possible transfer. Former 5-Star recruit and LSU wide receiver, Kayshon Boutte was giving indications he wanted out of LSU and was heavily interested in the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Since then Boutte has not entered the Transfer Portal. There are rumors Boutte has changed his mind about leaving Baton Rouge. One reason might be, Boutte is from New Iberia, LA, which is less than 70 miles from Baton Rouge. Rather than going by car, take an airboat across the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge and the distance is much shorter. It is hard-core LSU country.

The gist of the latest rumors are Boutte may wait until after spring practice before deciding whether to transfer. Brian Kelly might even learn how to talk Cajun by then. What Kelly will be able to definitely do, is put together a sizable NIL package to offer the prized receiver.

Without any more information than the words above – a prediction is Kayshon Boutte will play for LSU next fall. Kelly simply cannot ‘afford’ to lose him.

Alabama football fans should not be too disappointed. There is already a very good receiver in the Transfer Portal. He is Jacob Cowing, formerly a UTEP speedster. Cowing has been a Miner for three seasons. His 2021 stats are 69 receptions for 1,353 yards and seven touchdowns.

Many teams are in hot pursuit of Cowing with Oregon possibly leading. So far, it has not been reported Nick Saban has offered Cowing. The smallish receiver is explosive and elusive, but playing against SEC defensive backs, would he be better than the Tide’s returning receivers? Holman Wiggins, Bill O’Brien and Nick Saban know that answer.

A receiver that would be better, than some or even most of the Tide’s returning receivers, is North Carolina wideout, Josh Downs. It does not take a football expert to project Downs would be outstanding catching passes from Bryce Young. He has been rumored to be considering a transfer, but so far has made no formal move to leave Chapel Hill.

Nick Saban might be holding off on Cowing to learn what decision Downs will make about transferring. That is just a guess. What is not a guess is Saban uses transfers to add impact players, rather than just bringing in another talented player. Alabama Football has an abundant number of talented players already.

The Tide staff can certainly multitask, but winning another National Championship takes priority over recruiting right now.