Top Five Key Transfers For Alabama Football, Coach Kalen DeBoer Honest Admission Ahead Of The 2024 Season
With the rising influence of the NCAA transfer portal and the retirement of longtime coach Nick Saban, Alabama football experienced significant impacts from the portal last offseason.
The Crimson Tide lost a total of 39 players, both walk-ons and scholarship athletes, while also welcoming 14 new players from the transfer portal.
Here are five notable transfers for Alabama football as they prepare for the 2024 season.
Domani Jackson, Cornerback
Jackson has the potential to be one of Alabama’s most crucial transfer additions this season, providing much-needed experience in a position that was short on it following last year. He transfers from USC, where he played in 11 games in 2023, recording 33 tackles and three pass breakups. Jackson had initially committed to Alabama during Saban’s tenure but stayed true to his commitment despite the coaching changes.
“Honestly, the ‘A’ doesn’t change,” Jackson said on Tuesday. “It’s still a powerhouse in college football. I just wanted to reset my college career, and I felt this was the best opportunity for me.”
Germie Bernard, Wide Receiver
Germie Bernard joins the Alabama team from Washington, where he played in 14 of 15 games during the 2023 season, starting seven of them. He recorded 34 receptions for 419 yards and two touchdowns. Bernard also contributed on special teams with 10 kickoff returns and three punt returns. His experience in DeBoer’s offense at Washington is an added advantage.
“Coach DeBoer has a winning formula,” Bernard noted after Alabama’s sixth practice. “If you look at his history at every school he’s been at, he’s consistently winning. His offense is designed to get the ball to receivers and be explosive, which is exactly what I was looking for.”
Parker Brailsford, Offensive Line
Parker Brailsford, another transfer from Washington, brings valuable experience under DeBoer’s system. At Washington, he was part of the Huskies’ Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line in 2023, starting all 15 games and earning an 80.7 run-blocking grade. He is expected to start at center for Alabama, stepping into the role after Seth McLaughlin’s transfer to Ohio State.
“Parker is very familiar with our offense, so many are looking to him for guidance on how things should start,” DeBoer said. “He’s adept at identifying blocking assignments and setting protections, and his confidence is evident and beneficial for the team.”
Keon Sabb, Safety
Keon Sabb arrives at Alabama from Michigan, where he started five games during the Wolverines’ national championship season in 2023. Sabb is projected to start at the rover position in Alabama’s secondary. His arrival addresses a need for experience in the safety position following last season.
“Keon possesses exceptional talent,” said Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. “He had significant success at Michigan and his experience is invaluable. He’s committed to mastering our scheme and terminology, and his leadership in the secondary alongside Malachi Moore has been impressive.”
Kadyn Proctor, Offensive Line
Although Kadyn Proctor did not play at Iowa, his presence is significant for Alabama’s offensive line. He began fall camp with second-team reps but has since moved up to first-team status. The 6-foot-7, 369-pound tackle started all games for Alabama last season, playing 743 snaps and recording 20 knockdown blocks.
“Kadyn appears to be in excellent shape and lean,” DeBoer remarked last week. “Feedback from Coach David Ballou and others is very positive about his progress. His strength and explosiveness have improved, and although he’s always been large, he looks leaner. It’s great to have him back and contributing.”