Potential One-and-Done Transfers for Alabama in 2024
Alabama has traditionally been selective in its use of the transfer portal under Coach Nick Saban, who typically didn’t need to bring in many transfers due to already talent-rich rosters, instead focusing on addressing specific weaknesses.
Looking ahead, I expect Coach Kalen DeBoer to adopt a similar strategy. However, in his first offseason, DeBoer had to bring in more transfers than usual due to roster turnover from the Alabama coaching change. Notable additions include tackle Kadyn Proctor, safeties King Mack and Kam Howard, quarterback Austin Mack, and offensive lineman Naquil Betrand, all of whom are entering only their second seasons of college football and must stay through at least the 2025 season. Conversely, kicker Graham Nicholson has only one year of eligibility left and will depart after 2024 regardless. Therefore, none of these players qualify as one-and-done candidates.
Others like cornerback DaShawn Jones, offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark, tight end Josh Cuevas, and defensive lineman LT Overton do not have clearly defined roles entering 2024. While any could break out, they will begin the season as depth players or competing for starting positions.
The most likely one-and-done candidates among Alabama’s transfers are junior wide receiver Germie Bernard, redshirt sophomore center Parker Brailsford, junior cornerback Domani Jackson, and redshirt sophomore safety Keon Sabb. All four are draft-eligible and projected starters. If they perform well, they could attract significant NFL interest and declare for the draft after the season.
Brailsford was one of the top centers in the country last season for Washington and will be vying for the 2024 Rimington Award while anchoring Alabama’s offensive line. Jackson, a consensus 5-star recruit from the class of 2022, has the chance to live up to his first-round potential as Alabama’s CB1.
Bernard (formerly of Washington) and Sabb (formerly of Michigan) played complementary roles for their teams last season, both contributing to national championship game appearances. In 2024, they will have expanded roles on another title-contending team in Tuscaloosa. Personally, I believe Germie Bernard and Domani Jackson have the highest NFL upside in this transfer group, making them the most likely to emerge as one-and-done NFL draft picks.
Leave a Reply