When Alabama Football lost two defensive backs to the NCAA transfer portal late in the spring, Coach Nick Saban quickly pivoted and grabbed two replacements out of the portal.
Incoming transfers Trey Amos and Jaylen Key are far more experienced at the collegiate level than departed transfers Jahquez Robinson (Colorado) and Tre’Quon Fegans (USC), though the latter two were more highly touted as recruits.
Cornerback Trey Amos joins the Crimson Tide from the University of Louisiana, where he played three seasons. Amos was a standout for the Ragin’ Cajuns, totaling 59 career tackles, 14 pass breakups, and an interception in 34 games.
He notched his lone career interception in a win over UL-Monroe during his freshman season in 2020. The best game of his career came in a 2022 win over Georgia Southern, during which Amos recorded seven tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pair of pass breakups.
Trey Amos entered the transfer portal after his third season in Lafayette, and will have two years of eligibility to represent Alabama Football. How does he fit in on the Bama roster?
The hasty exits of Robinson and Fegans left the Crimson Tide fairly thin at corner, but Amos instantly bolsters the room. He gives Alabama some much-needed depth at the position, and offers a veteran presence as well. Amos will likely compete with redshirt sophomore Terrion Arnold for the starting cornerback spot opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry.
It won’t be easy, given that Arnold started at the position for much of last season and showed a lot of promise. Additionally, Amos missed the spring in Tuscaloosa, which would’ve afforded him some extra opportunities to gain on Arnold.
Even if he doesn’t win the job in fall camp, Trey Amos will be an important piece in the Alabama secondary as the first corner off the bench. Should McKinstry or Arnold have to miss any time, Amos would suddenly step into a critical role.
True freshmen Dezz Ricks and Jahlil Hurley will also provide cornerback depth, but it is uncertain if they are ready to play big-time college football yet.
Considering the lack of established corners on the roster coming out of the spring, Trey Amos was definitely a necessary addition. Regardless of his role in 2023, he has the skillset and experience to make a positive impact on the Alabama Football program.