Following Alabama’s humiliating 38-3 loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl, the Crimson Tide has lost eight defensive starters to the transfer portal and the NFL.
The Crimson Tide could also lose a couple more starters on defense, depending on whether safeties Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb declare for the NFL Draft.
The eight starters lost thus far include bandit LT Overton, nose tackle Tim Keenan III, linebacker Justin Jefferson, linebacker Deontae Lawson, husky DaShawn Jones and cornerback Domani Jackson, who have all declared for the draft.
The Crimson Tide also lost three former five-stars in bandit Keon Keeley, who most likely would have started next year with Overton departing for the NFL, and high school teammates, defensive tackle James Smith and wolf linebacker Qua Russaw. The Crimson Tide’s front seven will be taking a big hit as the three former five-stars combined for 6.5 sacks this past season.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer and company wasted no time bringing in help through the transfer portal, landing a commitment from former USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins. Thompkins will have one more year of eligibility and will replace Smith in the starting lineup.
Last season, Thompkins tallied 31 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble, making him the No. 3-ranked defensive lineman and ranked No. 32 in the transfer portal according to On3.
“I’m grateful for this next opportunity to grow even more,” Thompkins said.
The Crimson Tide also brought in Virginia Tech transfer linebacker Caleb Woodson, who will have one year of eligibility remaining and help replace Jefferson and Lawson. The Crimson Tide has the No. 4-ranked recruiting class in the country, including five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, who will look to make an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide’s defense.
A couple of other incoming five-star freshmen who could make an immediate impact are cornerback Jorden Edmonds and safety Jireh Edwards.
“Just the culture,” Edwards said about his decision to go to Alabama. “The culture really stood out for me. Them producing the guys they produced already and seeing them do so well in the league.”
The Crimson Tide also landed Mercer transfer safety Carmelo O’Neal. In his two years with the Bears, he finished with 54 tackles, two tackles for loss, 12 pass breakups, one sack, and one forced fumble across 23 games. O’Neal brings a lengthy 6-foot-4 frame to the Crimson Tide’s defensive back room and has also started games at cornerback.
Alabama had a visit set up with former five-star Tennessee edge rusher Jordan Ross before he committed to Lane Kiffin and LSU. Alabama has also been heavily involved with Kentucky defensive lineman Javeon Campbell.
Expect a couple more big defensive transfer acquisitions for the Crimson Tide before the transfer portal closes on Jan. 16.
