5 Mississippi State players that Alabama could pursue if they enter the transfer portal
Following a 51-10 loss to Texas A&M, Mississippi State decided to part ways with head coach Zach Arnett. The Bulldogs have had a less-than-stellar season and several players could be on the way out at season’s end.
There could also be an ample amount of players that enter the transfer portal depending on who the Bulldogs decide to hire as their next head coach. Regardless, this is a situation worth monitoring. There will certainly be a handful of players that test the transfer portal waters regardless.
Roll Tide Wire takes a look at five Mississippi State players that Alabama could pursue if they were to enter the transfer portal.
Lideatrick Griffin
One of Mississippi State’s elite playmakers on offense the last four seasons has been senior wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin. Granted, Griffin could opt to enter the NFL draft, enter the transfer portal, or return to Mississippi State. All options will be on the table for the Mississippi native.
Griffin has a COVID year at his disposal if he chooses to use it. In all likelihood, he will test the waters in the transfer portal if he were to return to college. With that said, it would not be a surprise to see Alabama reach out to Griffin. There are multiple wide receivers currently at Alabama that could enter the NFL draft or potentially even transfer. That would open up the window for the Crimson Tide to add a wide receiver.
Khamauri Rogers
Coming out of high school, Alabama was in contention for Holmes County Central cornerback Khamauri Rogers. Instead of remaining closer to home, Rogers elected to sign with Miami. After one season with the Hurricanes, Rogers re-entered the transfer portal. Consequently, he chose to return home to play for Mississippi State.
Since arriving in Starkville, Rogers has not played. The talent is there, but it seems like Rogers has not tapped into his potential. One program that could try and tap into his potential is Alabama. Rogers could be a name to monitor if he were to enter the transfer portal.
Zavion Thomas
One of the pass-catchers on Mississippi State’s roster that will likely enter the transfer portal is sophomore Zavion Thomas. The Louisiana native seems to be misused by Bulldogs offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay. While Thomas has seen more production this season, he could look elsewhere to play a larger role in a team’s offense. Alabama has great depth at the wide receiver position. However, with the uncertainty of what the offseason will bring, the Crimson Tide may pursue Thomas. That is if he becomes available. Thomas could contribute on special teams as well as at slot receiver.
JoJo Marks
One player that the Alabama defense is all too familiar with is junior running back JoJo Marks. In the past two seasons, Marks has rushed for a combined 121 yards and a touchdown. He is a powerful, downhill back that will be a hot commodity if he enters the transfer portal. With Alabama potentially losing two running backs to the NFL draft, it would not be surprising to see the coaching staff reach out to Marks.
Decamerion Richardson
One of the bright spots on Mississippi State’s defense this season has been senior Decamerion Richardson. The Louisiana native is third on the team with 58 tackles. As a junior, Richardson finished the season with 85 tackles. Alabama will likely lose multiple starters in the secondary to the NFL Draft. Therefore, Richardson could become a possible option if he were to return to college and enter the transfer portal. His length and versatility on the back end would certainly add an interesting element to the Crimson Tide defense.
