Alabama Football Transfer Portal window is closing fast
By Ronald Evans
In the weeks following Nick Saban's retirement, roster turnover for the Alabama Crimson Tide was troubling. Given where the roster stands in early May, it appears one group of football minds were not troubled. That group was Coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff.
Even after the situation stabilized, many college football experts were convinced another wave of exits would occur after the spring game. The wave did not materialize. There were few additional exits and apparently none of them took DeBoer and his assistants by surprise.
A strong Alabama Football Rebound
Instead, Kalen DeBoer went way beyond triage and into repair and recovery. In multiple ways, the roster is stronger than it was before DeBoer started. After weekend visits it now appears Alabama is within days of shutting down its Transfer Portal with a full roster.
The latest, expected addition is Wake Forest cornerback, DaShawn Jones. Jones has considerable starting experience while playing in 21 games for the Demon Deacons over the last two seasons. In nine starts as a sophomore, Jones made 37 tackles, three interceptions, and two pass breakups. Jones has interest from Michigan, Georgia, Ole Miss, and others, with landing him also being a high priority for LSU.
Another weekend visitor in Tuscaloosa was Penn State safety, King Mack. Mack was a highly valued recruit for the Nittany Lions in their 2023 class. He could provide the Crimson Tide with needed depth at safety. Reports are the visit went well, but other programs remain in play for the Penn State transfer.
A new Portal entry from Michigan State has been mentioned as a possibility for Alabama to add the one more offensive lineman it seeks. The player, Geno VanDeMark, is an IOL, with the versatility to play guard or center. He played for current Alabama football assistant, Chris Kapilovic at Michigan State. VanDeMark is a redshirt junior with two seasons of eligibility left. He could provide key depth on the offensive line.
A few days ago Kalen DeBoer stated the Crimson Tide had three open roster spots. With Jones expected to get one of them, adding Mack and VanDeMark would complete the Crimson Tide's Portal shopping for the 2024 season.