5 players Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer should try and pry away from Washington
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer spent two seasons at Washington. He developed relationships with the players and has a better understanding of that team than anyone else in the country. Following his departure from Washington, expect multiple impact players and reserves to test out the transfer portal.
Needless to say, there is reason to believe DeBoer will likely try to reunite with several of the players he coached in Seattle. After all, he led Washington to the College Football Playoff, so there are quality players on the Huskies roster.
Roll Tide Wire lists five players Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer should try to pry from Washington.
CB Jabbar Muhammad
One of the best cornerbacks in college football this past season was Washington junior Jabbar Muhammad. On Friday, Muhammad entered his name into the transfer portal.
Following his junior campaign, Muhammad was recognized as an All-Pac-12 second-team selection. In one season with the Huskies, Muhammad tallied 46 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and three interceptions. Out of everyone on this list, Muhammad would be the one who would have an immediate impact if he were to transfer to Alabama. He has a knack for getting to the ball and is excellent in man coverage. He had 20 pass deflections this past season.
WR Germie Bernard
With Alabama losing Isaiah Bond to the transfer portal, there is likely enough room to add a playmaker. While Washington wide receiver Germie Bernard has not entered the transfer portal, there is a good chance he will. Bernard has spent time at both Michigan State and Washington throughout his college career.
In one season at Washington, Bernard reeled in 34 receptions for 419 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged over 12 yards per catch, which is relatively productive. Alabama also lost Thaiu Jones-Bell, Malik Benson and Jermaine Burton this offseason. Adding a player such as Bernard would enhance the firepower on Alabama’s offense next season.
PK Grady Gross
Of all of the place-kickers in college football this past season, it is difficult to say anyone was as productive as former walk-on Grady Gross. The junior made 18 of the 22 field goals he attempted and was flawless on extra points.
With Alabama losing college football’s all-time leading scorer Will Reichard, there is room for the Crimson Tide to add a new kicker. Given the fact that DeBoer has a close connection with the kicker, it makes sense for Alabama to try to land Gross if he enters the transfer portal.
LB Carson Bruener
Washington was a veteran-led team this past season. One of those veterans who took the Pac-12 by storm was senior linebacker Carson Bruener.
Bruener recorded 86 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one interception for the Huskies. He was an important piece of Chuck Morrell’s defense. With Bruener having one year of eligibility remaining, he could look to transfer away from the program. Recently, Alabama lost depth at the linebacker position with Kendrick Blackshire and Ian Jackson entering the transfer portal. It would make sense for the Crimson Tide to pursue the Washington native.
S Mishael Powell
One position Alabama certainly lost depth at this offseason is safety. Starting safety Jaylen Key graduated. Reserve Kristian Story transferred to Kentucky. Jake Pope transferred to Georgia. Altogether, it makes the most sense for Alabama to bring in one of Washington’s safeties in the transfer portal.
Starting Huskies safety Mishael Powell entered the transfer portal on Friday following the announcement that DeBoer was accepting the head coaching position at Alabama. Powell started every game this past season. He finished with 38 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions. His experience and veteran presence are something Alabama could use on the back end of their defense.
