Alabama Football seeking reinforcements on defense
Alabama kicked off the spring transfer portal period with a huge pickup on the offensive side of the ball, earning the re-commitment of former 5-star offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.
The Crimson Tide has turned its attention to the defense in recent weeks, looking to add talent at several positions. The secondary has been the biggest area of concern, with Bama attempting throughout the spring to attain depth and even looking for a potential starter at the cornerback position.
It briefly pursued FSU transfer Greedy Vance and is now in heavy consideration for Arizona State transfer Ed Woods. The cornerback position is probably the most important need on the roster, so the Tide needs to land a good player who can contribute immediately if necessary. This defense should be very good in the front seven, and quality cornerback play could make it an elite unit.
Alabama also recently signed a veteran safety in Charlotte transfer Kameron Howard, who should bring some quality depth on the back end. Unfortunately, this portal addition may have inadvertently contributed to the surprising departure of true freshman Peyton Woodyard.
In the modern age of player empowerment and self-preservation, it is going to be increasingly rare to find good players that are willing to sit on the bench. Unfortunately for college football fans, that is going to result in more of these “one in, one out” situations that make it very difficult to accumulate depth.
Lastly, Alabama has expressed interest in adding experienced talent at one of its best position groups. The inside linebacker room is rock solid with Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell back, but both have injury histories and Bama may want to add some insurance in former South Alabama linebacker Khalil Jacobs. Jacobs could contribute this fall as a situational weapon, and would be one of the leading candidates to start at inside ‘backer heading into 2025.
Kane Wommack came to Tuscaloosa with a very solid talent foundation to work with, and had the whole spring to mold the group to his liking. Now, he has the luxury of hand-picking individual pieces that he feels fit his scheme. If Alabama is able to add Jacobs and potentially a couple more secondary transfers, it should help to bring additional flexibility and resilience to the 2024 defense.