Alabama Football: What can transfer LB Trezmen Marshall add to the defense?

Alabama Football added five experienced players to its roster via the transfer portal this offseason, which is roughly the amount that Coach Nick Saban usually takes.

One of the more intriguing transfer additions was linebacker Trezmen Marshall, who Bama acquired from conference foe Georgia. Marshall is a physical linebacker that offers valuable experience, despite missing time with injuries during his time in Athens.

Marshall transferred to Alabama Football back in January, and was on campus for spring practice. He was expected to compete for a starting job at inside linebacker, though competition in the room was and is fairly stiff.

Heading into the second fall scrimmage, redshirt sophomore Deontae Lawson and sophomore Jihaad Campbell appear to be at the top of the depth chart at the two ILB spots. Both are very athletic and instinctive, though not quite as big as Marshall. Additionally, junior college transfer Justin Jefferson joined the Crimson Tide in the 2023 recruiting class and has pushed for reps as well.

While the inside linebacker room is deep, Trezmen Marshall brings a unique skill set and perspective to the group. The former 4-star linebacker won two national championships during his time at Georgia.

He joins former teammate Jermaine Burton, who also earned a national championship with Georgia. Twelve other players on Alabama’s roster, primarily products of the 2019 and 2020 recruiting classes, have national championship rings of their own.

Trezmen Marshall is accustomed to playing his role on a winning team, and it will be interesting to see what that role becomes in Tuscaloosa. He will likely be a key cog on the Alabama special teams units, where he has extensive experience. He also gives Alabama Football an experienced reserve at linebacker who can rotate in on defense without being a liability.

It’s uncertain exactly how much he will contribute on the defensive side of the ball, but adding a former blue chip recruit with a championship pedigree is rarely a bad thing.