Two Freshman Alabama Cornerbacks Enter Transfer Portal
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama freshman cornerbacks Dezz Ricks and Antonio Kite have entered the transfer portal, following the hiring of new Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer.
After former head coach Nick Saban's retirement on Wednesday, the transfer portal window was re-opened for Crimson Tide players for 30 days due to the coaching change.
Ricks, a true freshman, and Kite, a redshirt freshman, became the second and third Alabama players to enter after Saban's retirement, joining wide receiver Isaiah Bond. Bond entered the portal before DeBoer's hire was made official.
Ricks was a top-40 recruit and a top-5 cornerback in the 2023 recruiting class. He didn't see the field much in the 2023 season, only playing in two games on special teams. He maintained his redshirt, so he will have four years of eligibility remaining at his new school.
Kite was a 4-star athlete out of high school and a member of the Crimson Tide's 2022 recruiting class. He settled at cornerback as his position once he arrived in Tuscaloosa, and redshirted during the 2022 season, seeing action in just two games.
In 2023, Kite appeared in seven games, still playing mostly on special teams. He will have three years of eligibility remaining wherever he ends up.
With DeBoer arriving to meet the team yesterday, there will be many decisions to be made by a plethora of Crimson Tide players over the coming days whether they will opt to stay during the regime change in Tuscaloosa or opt to search for a new home.
