With over 21 players exiting Tuscaloosa via the transfer portal, many football fans are questioning the success of the University of Alabama’s football program under the new head coach, Kalen DeBoer. However, according to Alabama’s General Manager, Courtney Morgan, this “exodus” of players is not a crisis, but part of a bigger plan.
Despite taking some hits in the transfer portal, Morgan is sticking to DeBoer’s blueprint for success. The central idea of this blueprint is to recruit and stack elite players, ensuring that the Alabama football team remains a powerhouse in the college football landscape.
With the rise of the transfer portal in college football, it has become common for players to transfer to another program for various reasons. In fact, the average number of players transferring per year has increased significantly in recent years. This can be attributed to the players’ desire for more playing time, better chances for exposure, or simply wanting a new challenge.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that Alabama has also seen a high number of players leaving the program via the portal. However, Morgan believes that this is not a cause for concern, but rather an opportunity for Alabama to improve. He states, “The transfer portal is the new normal in college football. Instead of being afraid of it, we have to embrace it and use it to our advantage.”
One of the major advantages of the transfer portal is the opportunity for schools to bring in experienced players who can contribute immediately. With so many top-tier players leaving Tuscaloosa, DeBoer and Morgan have their sights set on bringing in talented players from the portal to fill the gaps in the roster.
Furthermore, the transfer portal allows for more flexibility in recruiting, as coaches can now recruit players from other schools instead of relying solely on high school recruits. This gives DeBoer and his staff the chance to identify and target players who would fit perfectly into their system and contribute to the team’s success.
Another area that the Alabama football program is actively using the transfer portal is for depth. Injuries and unexpected departures can quickly deplete a team’s depth, hindering their chances of success. By bringing in players from the portal, Alabama can maintain a high level of depth and ensure that no position group is lacking in sufficient talent.
One may argue that relying heavily on the transfer portal goes against the Alabama tradition of developing players from within the program. However, Morgan sees it as a necessary step in today’s college football landscape, stating, “Our goal is always to develop players and keep them in the program. However, with the current state of college football, we also have to be ready to adapt and use all available resources to maintain our success.”
Moreover, this “master plan” is not just limited to the transfer portal. DeBoer has also implemented changes in the team’s culture and strategy to ensure Alabama remains at the top of their game. With new coaches, new schemes, and a renewed focus on player development, the Tide is well-positioned to remain a force in college football.
In conclusion, while some may see the high number of players leaving via the transfer portal as a crisis, Alabama’s GM Courtney Morgan sees it as an opportunity to improve and evolve the program. By utilizing the transfer portal, DeBoer’s blueprint aims to stack elite players and maintain the Alabama football program’s dominance. With a positive outlook and a clear plan in place, it’s safe to say that the Tide is in good hands under the new era of Kalen DeBoer.
