8 transfer portal entrants that Alabama could pursue
The window for undergraduates to enter the transfer portal opened up on Monday, Dec. 4. Since then, there has been a multitude of players that have entered the transfer portal.
Alabama has shown interest in Texas A&M defensive line transfer Lebbeus “LT” Overton. Other than that, there has not been confirmed interest that Alabama is pursuing any other transfers.
It will be interesting to see if Alabama decides to target any transfers that are currently available or wait until other players become available in the transfer portal.
Roll Tide Wire takes a look at eight transfer portal entrants that Alabama could look to pursue in the near future.
Ohio State WR Julian Fleming
Career Stats: 79 receptions / 963 yards / 7 TDs / 3 kick returns / 22 Kick Return Yds
Coming out of high school, Julian Fleming was widely regarded as the No. 1 wide receiver in the country. Since arriving at Ohio State, Fleming has seen the field on and off. He has been overshadowed for four years. His time never came. Now, Fleming is on his way out of Columbus after entering the transfer portal.
In the past, Alabama landed a hidden gem out of the transfer portal in wide receiver Jameson Williams. Could Alabama give Fleming an opportunity similar to that of Williams? It would not be surprising to see given Fleming’s talent level.
Florida RB Trevor Etienne
Career Stats: 249 Carries / 1,472 Rush Yds / 14 Rush TDs / 30 REC / 238 Rec. Yds / 1 Rec. TD
The SEC has become quite familiar with the name Trevor Etienne. After all, the Louisiana native has rushed for over 1,000 yards in two seasons. On Thursday, Etienne entered his name into the transfer portal. According to the Associated Press’ Mark Long, Etienne is considering the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State.
While it may not make much sense for Alabama to bring an additional running back, it is too hard to pass up on a player of Etienne’s caliber. He is the top running back available and would provide an immediate boost to Alabama’s running back room.
Georgia LB Xavian Sorey Jr.
Career Stats: 24 tackles / 1 sack / 1 INT
Surprisingly, Georgia lost one of its most talented linebackers to the transfer portal. On Thursday, redshirt sophomore linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal.
Interestingly enough, Sorey Jr. played the best game of his college career against Alabama in the SEC Championship game on Saturday. He recorded five tackles. Last year, Alabama went into Athens and landed Georgia linebacker transfer Trezmen Marshall who has panned out nicely. Will the Crimson Tide look to do the same this offseason?
Oklahoma IOL Savion Byrd
Played in 19 games in two seasons
Coming out of high school, Oklahoma transfer Savion Byrd held over 20 offers. While he may not land 20 offers in the transfer portal, he will be a hot commodity to many teams. At 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, Byrd can play guard or tackle at this next stop.
Alabama will likely lose JC Latham to the NFL draft. Therefore, there will be an opening at the right tackle position. Byrd has the experience and the talent to step in if Alabama decides to pursue him. He could be an intriguing option for the Alabama coaching staff down the stretch.
Texas A&M OT Chase Bisontis
Started all 12 games at right tackle
After one season in College Station, offensive tackle Chase Bisontis has entered the transfer portal. Bisontis, a New Jersey native, started in all 12 games at right tackle for the Aggies this season.
The former four-star recruit was offered by Alabama coming out of high school. Similarly to Byrd, he will likely have a plethora of suitors. As I previously mentioned, Alabama will look to replace Latham. Bisontis could certainly be an attractive option for the Crimson Tide. He has three years of eligibility remaining and has starting experience in the SEC.
Oregon CB Trikweze Bridges
Career Stats: 91 tackles / 8 PDs / 2 Forced Fumbles / 4 INTs
If Alabama is looking for a long, versatile defensive back, they will have to look no further than Oregon transfer Trikweze Bridges. In all likelihood, Alabama defensive backs Terrion Arnold, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Malachi Moore will enter the NFL Draft. Meaning, that there is an opportunity for a transfer to come in and see early playing time.
Bridges is an experienced defensive back who could play cornerback or safety on Alabama’s defense. It is also worth noting that Bridges spent his high school days at Lanett High School (AL) and played alongside Alabama safety Kristian Story. A possible reunion in Tuscaloosa? I don’t think it is out of the question given Bridge’s talent level.
Arkansas LB Chris Paul Jr.
Career Stats: 137 tackles / 6 sacks
There could be some turnover at the linebacker position during the offseason. Alabama linebackers Deontae Lawson and Trezmen Marshall will have the option to return to school or enter the NFL draft. If both elect to go pro, the Crimson Tide could look into adding Arkansas linebacker transfer Chris Paul Jr.
Paul Jr. has starting experience in the SEC and has proven to be an elite linebacker. The Georgia native could be looking to return close to home to finish out his college career. If that is the case, Alabama could be a suitor for Paul Jr.
EDGE Cyrus Moss
Career Stats: 1 tackle
One of the most intriguing and underrated additions to the transfer portal thus far has been Cyrus Moss. The Nevada native spent two seasons at Miami. He played very sparingly for the Hurricanes.
If Alabama chose to pursue Moss, it would solely be based on his upside. He has not had enough playing time to measure his talent level at the college level. Alabama offered Moss coming out of high school, so there is a connection there. He is a name worth monitoring in my opinion.
