Analyzing Alabama football’s ‘improved’ roster following spring practices, transfers

Alabama football concluded the spring transfer portal window with a couple of surprises. The Tide seemingly solved its kicking competition with a marquee transfer, returned a promising freshman and then lost a contender for the starting center job.

Still, UA’s current and former coaches think Alabama is in line to “improve” heading into the fall. Nick Saban was pleased with the “continuity” of the roster. Kalen DeBoer noted the team isn’t done filling the few scholarships it has left and will continue to host players on visits. But like in past years, portal departures may impact UA’s depth more than the first-team.

With final exams over and the spring portal window closed — the Tide is still able to add players who’ve entered before April 31 —, here’s a breakdown of Alabama’s position groups.

Offense

Quarterback: Jalen Milroe

Reserve: Ty Simpson; Dylan Lonergan; Austin Mack

Perhaps a surprise that there were no further transfers after Eli Holstein’s departure to Pitt, this group remains strong with plenty of intrigue for the future. Milroe presumably retains the starting role even after Simpson’s strong spring. The dual-threat ability Milroe possesses could shine in a DeBoer scheme. His big-play ability was apparent on an early toss to Germie Bernard on A-Day. With first-round projections, Milroe once again will likely be UA’s engine on offense.

Wide Receivers: Germie Bernard, Kendrick Law, Kobe Prentice

Reserve: Ryan Williams, Caleb Odom, Cole Adams; Emmanuel Henderson, Jaren Hamilton

There’s a mix of veterans and underclassmen potential in Alabama’s pass-catching group. Bernard was poised to take a step up at UW with Rome Odunze and Ja’lynn Polk, DeBoer’s pair of 1,000-yard receivers, off to the pros. Instead, the explosive Bernard can be a deep threat option for Milroe. DeBoer seems eager to get Law the ball in different ways and Prentice has been reliable in his two seasons.

Odom’s size and catch radius made him a talking point in spring camp, adding intrigue to the group. Williams will also enter Tuscaloosa as one of the more hyped first-year players in recent memory. It’ll be up to position coach Jamarcus Shephard to maximize their skill sets.

Tight ends: CJ Dippre

Reserve: Robbie Ouzts, Danny Lewis Jr.; Josh Cuevas, Ty Lockwood

Running backs: Jam Miller, Justice Haynes

Reserve: Richard Young; Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley

For the second year in a row, the running back room might be the Tide’s deepest. The rotation was eventually shortened due to pass protection issues, which could factor again this fall with two more freshman, Hill and Riley, coming in. But between Miller and Haynes, the Tide has a chance to top the 4.3 yards per game it averaged in 2023.

Line: Kadyn Proctor, Tyler Booker, Parker Brailsford, Jaeden Roberts, Wilkin Formby

Reserve: Elijah Pritchett, Olaus Alinen, Naquil Betrand, Roq Montgomery, Miles McVay

Proctor’s return is the story of the spring. He brings stability and familiarity next to Booker on Milroe’s blindside. Proctor adds depth to the tackle unit that’ll need to find another starter at right tackle. DeBoer has talked about wanting to add depth (if even for practice reps) and that’s likely more true with the departure of James Brockermeyer.

Brockermeyer and Brailsford were in a battle for starting center that appeared to be going Brockermeyer’s way; Brailsford was away from the team for a portion of the spring and watched A-Day from the sidelines out of uniform. Now, even if Brailsford returns, as is expected, UA will need a backup snapper. Offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic has said the Tide trains each lineman to snap during the spring.

Defense

Linebackers: Deontae Lawson, Jihaad Campbell

Reserve: Justin Jefferson, Jeremiah Alexander; Justin Okoronkwo, Sterling Dixon

With two returning starters, Lawson and Campball can build off strong second seasons. Lawson practiced with the new one-way helmet receiver and will relay plays to teammates during games. Alexander continued his switch from edge to interior linebacker. Okoronkwo had a team-high 11 tackles in the spring game.

Secondary: Domani Jackson, Zabien Brown, Malachi Moore, Keon Sabb, DeVonta Smith (Husky)

Reserve: Cameron Howard (Husky), Jahlil Hurley, Zavier Mincey, Jaylen Mbakwe, Bray Hubbard, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., Red Morgan (Husky)

Three transfers have been infused into the defensive back room this offseason and more may be on the way. With five, if not more, defensive backs on the field at any given time, it’s likely Alabama will need to rely on at least one of its freshmen at some point. Smith, Howard and Morgan are the ‘huskies’ in Wommack’s scheme. UA fans should recognize that as the ‘STAR’ position from Saban’s defenses, a defensive back aligned near the line of scrimmage.

Line: Tim Keenan III, Tim Smith, Jehiem Oatis, Quandarrius Robinson (Wolf)

Reserve: Jah-Marien Latham, Damon Payne Jr., James Smith, Keanu Koht (Wolf); LT Overton, Keon Keeley, Hunter Osborne, Qua Russaw (Wolf), Yhonzae Pierre (Wolf)

UA’s defensive tweaks continue in the trenches, where edge rushers are now ‘wolves’ and larger defensive lineman-end hybrids operate as ‘bandits.’ It’s unclear if Alabama will have a deep bench of bandits to clog rushing lanes. But there should be enough between Robinson, Koht, Russaw and Pieree to generate pressure on the quarterback.

Special teams

Placekicker: Graham Nicholson; Conor Talty

Punter: James Burnip

Long snapper: Kneeland Hibbett

Returners: Kendrick Law, Germie Bernard

Before a kicking competition could extend into the fall, Alabama acquired the best kicker in the transfer portal. Nicholson is the reigning Lou Groza Award winner and missed three kicks in 65 attempts a season ago (two extra points, one field goal). Will Reichard granted the Tide stability for five years and now Nicholson likely extends that streak.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at NAlvarez@al.com.