Alabama Football: Quick roster transitions after A-Day

Seeing stars of the future, along with a return to health by previously injured players are A-Day joys for Crimson Tide fans. In the Portal era, poor performance or limited participation from some Alabama football players can signal impending transfer exits.

Check out these offensive players to watch closely during A-Day.

Once the spring’s 15 sessions are finished, a decision to enter the Portal must be made in less than two weeks. Few players will wait to the last day. Most decisions will be announced next week. Though a later date might result from a quick decision after a new incoming transfer.

Quite a few Alabama football insiders, along with some transfer and recruiting experts are convinced Louisville transfer wide receiver, Tyler Harrell will move to the Crimson Tide soon. Harrell has an interesting resume. Last season as a Louisville Cardinal, he averaged 29.1 yards per reception. But he caught only 18 passes. Six of the 18 catches went for touchdowns.

Unofficially, Harrell’s speed is rumored to be in the 4.2 range. He is probably not that fast, but Louisville fans attest he has blazing speed. Alabama football recruiting insiders believe Harrell is comparable to Jameson Williams in both speed and good hands.

Without suggesting who it might be, it is easy to presume one or more current Crimson Tide wide receivers might decide to leave if Harrell joins the Tide. One factor that might mitigate too many wide receiver exits is the thought Holman Wiggins, Bill O’Brien and Nick Saban will use a regular five or six wideout rotation in 2022. Jermaine Burton will be on the field the most, but another five wideouts could become active, non-mop-up duty, game participants.

Over the last two weeks of April, four or five current players will likely migrate to the Portal. An exit of six would not be shocking. In almost every case, the players who choose to leave are helping themselves and secondarily helping the Crimson Tide. The roster spots opened up are invariably filled by better players.

Where to look for more Alabama Football exits

The wide receiver group has already been mentioned. Other probable position groups are linebacker, offensive line and defensive line. Defensive backs might be another area, but the 2023 Alabama Crimson Tide will have three or four open starter slots in the secondary.

Across college football, transfer frenzy will subside in May. The closer it gets to summer enrollment, the more players start worrying a new team might not be found for next fall.