Alabama To Likely Target Defensive Backs, Offensive Line in Spring Portal Window

Head coach Kalen DeBoer detailed which positions could use a boost from the upcoming spring transfer portal window.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Spring football is coming to a close around the country, with Alabama's spring game just two days away. On April 15, two days after A-Day, the spring transfer portal window will open, giving teams another chance to add important pieces to their roster for the fall — or lose them.

During his Thursday press conference, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer detailed which position groups he might target during the spring portal window.

“I mean, you guys can look at our roster and see scholarship numbers, I know you all track it," DeBoer said. "I’d say the defensive backfield is probably a guy short or so. The offensive line probably a guy short. Just the numbers that you typically see, and also where we want to be."

Both position groups DeBoer mentioned are probably the most inexperienced groups on the Alabama roster. The Crimson Tide has six defensive backs that are either true freshmen or redshirt freshmen. The only returning starter from last season's team is Malachi Moore, and USC transfer Domani Jackson is the only true cornerback on the roster that has played in a college football game before.

The offensive line features seven players who are either true freshmen or redshirt freshmen, and that unit only brings back two of five starters from a season ago in guards Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts. The offensive line is already reported to be getting a boost in the spring portal, as Kadyn Proctor, last year's starting left tackle, is slated to return to Tuscaloosa after transferring to Iowa for just a couple of months.

"We’ll take a look and evaluate," DeBoer said. "And you never know, might be some guys that, from our roster, surprise us as well. We’ve just got to continue to be fluid, be ready to adjust, and continue to keep our eyes open for what’s out there when the time comes."