Alabama strikes out on top Transfer Portal target and is now behind the 8-ball

Alabama got its turn at bat for star Auburn WR Cam Coleman over the weekend. And Kalen DeBoer and company struck out, which is becoming all too common an occurrence for the Crimson Tide in the Transfer Portal.

Coleman committed to Texas on Sunday, joining an ever-growing list of strikeouts this cycle. Alabama missed out on NC State OT Jacarrius Peak and Tennessee edge Jordan Ross without getting them on campus. And top portal commitment - RB Hollywood Smothers from NC State - took a visit to Austin this weekend with a potential flip on the horizon.

It hasn't been a great first week in the portal for the Crimson Tide.

Cam Coleman commits to Texas, leaving Alabama hanging out to dry

Alabama invested a lot of time, energy, and effort into Coleman just for him to land at Texas. Recruiting losses are going to happen, but in the process, they watched as key WR Isaiah Horton entered the portal. Perhaps they would have lost out on Horton even if Coleman was never a realistic possibility, but Alabama has a lot of work to do at WR and numerous other positions.

There's not an impact player left in the portal at WR of Coleman's caliber. Probably not one of Horton's caliber, either. But Alabama only has five WRs on the roster right now. Two are likely starters in Ryan Williams and Lotzeir Brooks, which is a good start.

The No. 3 spot could go to returning players Rico Scott or Derek Meadows, or perhaps incoming freshman Cederian Morgan, who matches the physical profile of Horton.

Alabama probably needs to grab at least three receivers in the portal. They should have the money to do it, but they'll be looking at guys more off the radar after failing to reel in the big fish.

DeBoer and GM Courtney Morgan have a plan; there's no doubt. But it's fair at this point to begin questioning whether it's a good one, or if they are still putting too much stock into high school recruiting and ignoring the new realities of college football.