Alabama's pursuit of Auburn transfer WR Cam Coleman has always felt like a bit of a long shot. But the longer his Transfer Portal recruitment goes, the more it feels like Alabama has a legitimate shot to land the immensely talented WR.
Coleman has always felt like a want, not a need. But in the wake of Isaiah Horton's stunning decision to enter the portal on Thursday, perhaps Coleman becomes a bigger priority for Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama staff.
Because now Alabama has lost two starters at WR (Germie Bernard and Horton), and is down to just five WRs on the roster. Ryan Williams and Lotzeir Brooks feel like locks to start, but a third starter is needed. That could come in the form of Rico Scott, Derek Meadows, or incoming 4-star recruit Cederian Morgan. All are talented players. None are Cam Coleman.
Alabama football must now go all-in to land Cam Coleman in the Transfer Portal
Coleman has taken the tour of big-money Texas schools, visiting Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. There are no visit plans locked in, but he is rumored to be planning to visit Tuscaloosa this weekend. Waiting for him will be his offensive coordinator at Auburn, Derrick Nix, who is Alabama's new WR coach.
That connection has always made it feel like Alabama has a chance. The Crimson Tide isn't likely to outbid any of the Texas schools, but they offer the opportunity to stay closer to home. And with Horton leaving, Coleman becomes a much bigger priority, and that could force DeBoer and GM Courtney Morgan to up the offer to bring Coleman to the Capstone.
He would be a dream fit in DeBoer's offense. He's the big-bodied, downfield receiving threat who would thrive with either Austin Mack or Keelon Russell, two immensely talented and big-armed QBs, throwing him the ball. With Ryan Williams and Lotzeir Brooks beside him, there wouldn't be a better trio of wide receivers in the entire country.
Alabama has several spots they need to fill in the WR room now. But Coleman is the biggest of fish, and would make fans immediately forget the sting of losing Horton to the portal.