Kalen DeBoer has faced limited time to shape Alabama’s roster to his preferences since taking over from the renowned Nick Saban. As he adjusts to his new environment, his primary focus has been on retaining the current players in Alabama football. DeBoer now has the opportunity to actively participate in the spring transfer window. One notable addition he has already made is bringing back Kadyn Proctor, who initially transferred from Alabama to Iowa during the winter.
During the winter, Alabama football experienced significant departures. Notable players such as Caleb Downs and Isaiah Bond decided to join Ohio State and Texas, respectively. Additionally, players like JC Latham, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Terrion Arnold, Dallas Turner, and Jermaine Burton are expected to be drafted into the NFL in the coming week. Nevertheless, the Tide has a long-standing tradition of replenishing and rebuilding their roster, and they may do so again during the spring transfer window. This could potentially involve securing the commitments of players like Damien Martinez, Keandre Lambert-Smith, and Myles Slusher.
Damien Martinez, Running Back, Oregon State
Over the past 15 years, Alabama football has gained a reputation as a prolific producer of talented running backs. Jase McClellan was the most recent standout in this lineage, but he exhausted his eligibility last season. The future of the running back corps in Tuscaloosa lies in players like Jam Miller, Justice Haynes, and Richard Young. However, these individuals have collectively accumulated just 108 carries for 616 yards and six touchdowns.
While these young players possess promise, the Tide would benefit from the presence of an experienced running back to mentor and guide them. This is where Damien Martinez from Oregon State comes into the picture. Martinez has consistently proven himself as one of the nation’s top running backs over the past two seasons, boasting an average of 6.1 yards per carry during each campaign. Standing at an imposing six feet tall and weighing 232 pounds, he presents a formidable presence on the field.
Martinez has demonstrated his willingness to share playing time, as evidenced by his split role with Deshaun Fenwick at Oregon State. A similar arrangement could be established in Tuscaloosa, where he could complement one or two of the young backs already on the roster. While Alabama may not necessarily require Martinez’s services, his addition would undoubtedly bolster their operations without any negative repercussions.
Keandre Lambert-Smith, Wide Receiver, Penn State
Alabama is in need of reinforcements at the wide receiver position, as their top two receivers from the previous year, Bond and Burton, have moved on to other teams. While Germie Bernard has committed to joining the Tide, following DeBoer’s transition from Seattle to Tuscaloosa, there are few proven options beyond him.
This is where the potential addition of Keandre Lambert-Smith becomes significant. Lambert-Smith served as Penn State’s leading receiver last season, amassing 53 receptions for 673 yards. However, these relatively modest numbers were partly a result of the Nittany Lions’ emphasis on a ground-oriented offensive approach. Lambert-Smith possesses the capability to contribute more, which explains his decision to explore transfer opportunities.
Although Alabama does have young receivers poised to assume larger roles next season, similar to the running back situation, it would benefit the team to acquire a veteran player who can help ease these individuals into consistent responsibilities. Lambert-Smith would fulfill that role effectively, providing valuable guidance and support to the younger receivers.
Myles Slusher, Safety, Colorado
One of the most significant losses from Alabama’s roster last year was Caleb Downs, who made significant contributions in various aspects of the game. Downs recorded an impressive 107 total tackles, intercepted two passes, forced and recovered a fumble, and even scored a punt return touchdown. Unfortunately, Downs has departed for Ohio State, leaving Alabama football without an immediate replacement for his versatile skill set.
Myles Slusher could potentially fill that void. While he may not possess the same level of impact as Downs, Slusher is a capable tackler who holds his own in the secondary. Although he only played in four games last season, he managed to accumulate 17 tackles during his single year in Boulder. Moreover, Slusher brings valuable SEC experience, having spent three seasons with the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville.
While Slusher may not be the most high-profile player in the transfer portal, he possesses the ability to contribute meaningfully to any team that secures his services. Given Alabama’s need to fill the safety position left vacant by Downs, it would be worthwhile for DeBoer and his staff to reach out to Slusher and explore the possibility of him stepping into Downs’ former role.
