In a significant intercollegiate move, Antonio Kite, the former defensive back for Alabama, has transferred to Auburn football. Kite, a former four-star recruit, will be playing in the upcoming season for Auburn, carrying three years of eligibility into his new chapter.
Former Alabama Cornerback Shifts to Auburn
Kite’s transfer to Auburn is noteworthy as it follows the recent retirement of Nick Saban, Alabama’s esteemed head coach. This move marks Kite as the first Alabama transfer to commit to Auburn post-Saban’s departure. The 6-foot-1, 182-pound cornerback is the second defensive back to commit to Auburn via the transfer portal within a week.
With Kite’s addition, Auburn has secured its ninth transfer portal pickup, indicating a significant reshuffling in the team. Kite’s transfer comes at a crucial time as Auburn is experiencing the departure of several key players to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal.
Kite’s Journey from Alabama to Auburn
Kite, originally from Anniston, Alabama, was a highly touted recruit from Anniston High School. The 247Sports Composite ranked him as the 167th overall player in the 2022 class and as the ninth-best prospect in Alabama. His first season at Alabama was redshirted under coach Nick Saban.
During his time with the Crimson Tide, Kite played in seven games, participating in 22 defensive snaps, as per Pro Football Focus. His game time included two noteworthy appearances against Middle Tennessee and Chattanooga. Kite’s game action increased in 2023, where he played primarily at cornerback and also appeared on special teams.
A New Chapter for Kite
Looking ahead, Kite will be joining former high school rival, Robert Woodyard, who is currently part of Auburn’s team. He is also set to work with Charles Kelly, Auburn’s co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach, who was Alabama’s safeties coach in 2022.
With his transfer, Kite is anticipated to bring a fresh dynamic to Auburn football. As the team navigates the loss of key defensive backs, Kite’s experience and potential hold the promise of strengthening Auburn’s secondary in the upcoming season.
