3 Alabama transfer targets on 'commit watch' after DeBoer landed Hollywood Smothers

Things are heating up for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama in the Transfer Portal. Following Monday night's commitment of elite NC State transfer RB Hollywood Smothers, it's only a matter of time before more dominoes start to fall for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama has seen its fair share of players leave so far in the Transfer Portal, but now they're set up to start striking back.

DeBoer and GM Courtney Morgan are fast at work hosting visitors and trying to secure some much-needed talent upgrades across the roster.

These 3 Transfer Portal targets could commit to Alabama next

1. LB Caleb Woodson (Virginia Tech)

Virginia Tech transfer LB Caleb Woodson was in Tuscaloosa on Monday for a visit. He's the only known target for the Crimson Tide at a serious position of need. There are no known other visits scheduled for Woodson thus far, and his ultimate commitment to Alabama feels inevitable.

Alabama has a big need for an off-ball linebacker in this portal cycle. The Crimson Tide lost the top three on the depth chart in Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green. Some talented youngsters are waiting for their opportunity, but adding a veteran presence is a necessity.

Woodson is a multi-year starter at Virginia Tech who posted 151 tackles in his three seasons in Blacksburg.

2. OL Kaden Strayhorn (Michigan)

With Parker Brailsford declaring for the draft on Monday, Alabama has a massive hole at center. That was exacerbated by all three of Brailsford's backups leaving as well. Geno VanDeMark is out of eligibility, and both Joseph Ionata and Roq Montgomery have entered the Transfer Portal.

Alabama needs both depth and a starter at center for next season. One of the top targets right now is Michigan transfer Kaden Strayhorn, who arrived in Tuscaloosa on Monday for his visit to Alabama.

Strayhorn was teammates with Alabama starting RT Michael Carroll at IMG Academy, and considered the Crimson Tide out of high school before signing with Michigan. After one season in Ann Arbor and a tumultuous coaching change, Strayhorn is looking for a fresh start.

If Alabama pushes on his visit, Strayhorn seems likely to join the Tide.

3. DL Devan Thompkins (USC)

USC transfer defensive lineman Devan Thompkins reportedly arrived in Tuscaloosa on Monday night and will spend Tuesday visiting with the staff and players. As of now, Thompkins doesn't have other visits scheduled, though he released a top-five schools list shortly after the portal opened on Friday.

Alabama will look to get this done while he's on campus. If Thompkins leaves Tuscaloosa without committing, then it's hard to see him ending up with the Crimson Tide.

At 290 pounds and with uber-athleticism, Thompkins is a versatile chess piece on the defensive line who would be a major addition for Kane Wommack's defense. Alabama has to get better on both lines of scrimmage, and Thompkins would go a long way on the defensive side of the ball.

Thompkins is ranked as the No. 6 DL in the portal, according to Saturday Blitz.