Alabama Football: A former 3-Star, Vandy OT might be an answer at tackle
By Ronald Evans
There are plenty of college football programs that are fortunate to sign 3-Star recruits. For fans of Alabama Football and other elite programs, a 3-Star recruit rarely generates any buzz.
This spring in Tuscaloosa and at other Power Five schools. a former 3-Star is getting some extra notice. The player is Vanderbilt Commodore, soon-to-be graduate transfer, Tyler Steen.
Steen was a 3-Star prospect coming out of St. Thomas Aquinas High Scholl in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He was the No. 112 rated offensive tackle in the 2018 class. Overall he was rated as the No. 1,177 prospect.
The first impression of many Alabama fans may be Steen is not a player that can help the Crimson Tide. Maybe he isn’t, but in the Crimson Tide’s history, many 3-Star recruits have not only become starters but Crimson Tide stars.
More importantly, it has been reported Steen will visit Alabama in March. Nick Saban does not seriously consider transfer players unless he believes they can compete for a starting role. Saban could not be less concerned about the ‘star’ rating of any prospect.
The Alabama Crimson Tide needs two new tackle starters next season. Young players like JC Latham and Tommy Brockermeyer might fill those roles, but both will have to beat out all comers. As protection against injuries, the Crimson Tide needs to come out of fall camp with four tackles capable of starting and competing at a high level.
Tyler Steen is 6’5″ and 315 pounds. He has extensive playing experience for the Dores, playing both right tackle and left tackle as a starter in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons.
247Sports rates Steen as the second-best uncommitted transfer player. He is being pursued by several schools, including Penn State, North Carolina State, LSU and Auburn. Auburn is believed to have made Steen their top transfer target, for an immediate starting role.
Tyler Steen’s younger brother Blake has signed with Virginia. The Cavaliers cannot be ruled out of consideration. Reportedly, Tyler Steen will make a decision in March.
Even without the first-time transfer, immediate eligibility option available through the Transfer Portal, Steen will be immediately eligible because he will graduate from Vanderbilt this spring.
According to 247Sports, the Kentucky Wildcats have given Tyler Steen’s youngest brother, Dylan an offer and are trying to get Tyler to add Lexington to his March list of visits.
If Nick Saban decides to make Tyler Steen a priority, Bryan Harsin and Auburn will have no chance.