Three transfers that Kalen DeBoer and Alabama need to thrive in 2024
There are quite a few things changing for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2024.
The most notable of course is the head coaching change, as Nick Saban rode off into the sunset and is now an ESPN analyst, while former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer is looking to fill his shoes. The roster itself also saw quite a few departures with 10 players drafted into the NFL and another 40 leaving the program via the portal.
With so many players leaving, DeBoer will need a handful of his 15 transfer portal additions to make immediate impacts and emerge as key contributors. Here are the three that Alabama most needs to thrive right away in order to remain a contender for the SEC and College Football Playoff.
Sep 23, 2023; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back DaShawn Jones (10) makes an interception against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (13) during the first half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
DaShawn Jones, DB, Wake Forest
Alabama lost both starting corners to the NFL Draft and doesn't have a lot of experience in the secondary as a whole. USC transfer Domani Jackson is expected to slide in and start after partaking in spring ball, but he needs a running mate opposite of him. That is where Wake Forest transfer DaShawn Jones comes into play. He is a two-year starter who recorded 37 tackles, nabbed three picks, and also had two pass deflections this past season. He can provide a veteran presence and a proven commodity, which could help the back end of this defense dramatically.
Germie Bernard on A-Day
Alabama Athletics
Germie Bernard, WR, Washington
Similar to the secondary, the receiver room was ransacked by the transfer portal and the NFL Draft. Jermaine Burton is now catching passes from Joe Burrow on the Cincinnati Bengals, while Isaiah Bond and Amari Niblack each transferred to Texas after Saban's retirement. There are some returning guys like Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law, but this room needs someone to step up as the alpha. Bernard is already experienced in DeBoer's offense thanks to this past season, and now that he doesn't have three NFL receivers in front of him, he can make a splash of his own.
Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates with defensive back Keon Sabb (3) after a turnover against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter in the 2024 College Football Playoff
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Keon Sabb, S, Michigan
Arguably the biggest loss of the offseason for any team in college football was the Tide losing star freshman safety, Caleb Downs who transferred to Ohio State. The Tide were able to go into the portal and nab Keon Sabb from Michigan who played a key role in their title run this past year, and will have his first real shot to be the day one starter. If he can solidify the back end and continue to develop, this Alabama secondary can go from major concern to major strength.
