With just five days remaining in the transfer portal window, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is under pressure to secure impactful new talent following a couple of recent setbacks. After missing out on Cam Coleman and losing Hollywood Smothers to Texas, DeBoer and his general manager, Courtney Morgan, are now pivoting their strategy to find a suitable wide receiver to bolster their roster.
Although Alabama is not in dire need of just any wide receiver, given that Ryan Williams will return for his junior year and Lotzeir Brooks is expected to assume a more significant role, the departure of Isaiah Horton through the transfer portal leaves a gap that needs to be filled. Horton, after a single season in Tuscaloosa, alongside Germie Bernard’s exit, highlights the need for a big-bodied receiver to complement the offensive strategy devised by coordinator Ryan Grubb.
Cam Coleman was initially considered an ideal fit for this role, but with Texas swooping in to secure him, DeBoer and Morgan are now eyeing three potential transfer options to add depth to the receiving corps.
Noah Rogers, a redshirt junior from NC State, stands out as the most immediate option for Alabama. Recently visiting Tuscaloosa, Rogers, measuring 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, has displayed consistent production over his two years at NC State, exceeding 30 catches and 450 receiving yards in both seasons. His ability to make contested catches and add physicality after the catch positions him as a solid replacement for Bernard, allowing Williams to take a more prominent role as the primary target.
Quincy Porter from Ohio State is another intriguing prospect. Though he only caught four passes while redshirting this past season, his potential is undeniable. At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Porter brings a promising skill set that could allow him to thrive as a true X-receiver. His impressive high school performances suggest he has the ability to become a difference-maker, making him worth considering despite a lack of college production thus far.
Lastly, Ja’Cory Thomas, a transfer from Old Dominion, has proven to be a threat on the field, boasting both speed and excellent hands. In his only season with Old Dominion, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Thomas recorded 41 receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns. His capability to stretch the field, evidenced by his production on deep throws, makes him another appealing option for DeBoer and Morgan as they look to enhance Alabama’s offensive arsenal.
As the transfer portal window nears its close, the clock is ticking for Alabama to secure a pivotal addition. With talented players still available, there’s hope that DeBoer and Morgan can find the right fit to elevate their team heading into the next season.