Alabama Lost Three Of CFB's Top WR Transfers Ahead of 2024, Needs New Faces To Step Up
When it comes to the roster that Kalen DeBoer inherited as the new head coach at Alabama, there aren't many that are better for a first-year head coach.
Typically when there is a new coach, the cupboard gets a bit bare whether it be players leaving for the NFL Draft or the transfer portal. For DeBoer, that is not entirely the case as he does return one of the best quarterbacks in college football, and also has a couple of rising stars on defense. However, the one position that he certainly will be hoping to maximize and get the most out of is the wide receiver corps.
That unit took some major hits this offseason, and will certainly be needing a handful of youngsters or more unproven players to take a step forward.
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Isaiah Bond (17) scores the game winning touchdown over Auburn Tigers cornerback D.J. James (4) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
John Reed / USA Today Sports
If you look at who led the team in catches in 2023, four of the Tide's top six pass catchers are no longer in Tuscaloosa. Jermaine Burton who led the team in yards and touchdowns is now catching passes from Joe Burrow in the NFL, Isaiah Bond and Amari Niblack are now with SEC foe Texas, Ja'Corey Brooks transferred to Louisville and Malik Benson transferred to Florida State. When it comes to Brooks, Benson, and Bond, they each were ranked as a top receiver in the portal this offseason, which is a huge blow for the Tide.
What does this mean for DeBoer? Well, he needs returners like former four-star Kobe Prentice, who had 18 catches for 314 yards and two scores to take on a bigger role. As does Germie Bernard, who transferred in from Washington, where he was the first guy off the bench behind the Huskies' three receivers who were drafted in rounds 1-3.
While it may be a lot to ask, the Tide also may need five-star freshman Ryan Williams, who just got to town, to grow up real quick. There are a lot of unknowns with this group, but one thing we do know is that if there is anyone who can get the most out of an offense, it is DeBoer.
Alabama fans will just have to get used to new names in prominent roles this season, which could call for some growing pains. But, with an offense as explosive as DeBoer's and a quarterback as talented as Milroe, this group can shock some people.
