April 9, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer checks his play sheet during practice in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
Smart move: Another super star player committed to the Alabama just…..
Many critics and passionate Alabama fans claimed that the Crimson Tide had lost their edge in the NCAA Transfer Portal. However, in early May, first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer proved them wrong. Between Thursday, May 16th, and Saturday, May 18th, Alabama secured three commitments via the Transfer Portal. These players are not just capable of playing but are also legitimate starters, addressing key positional concerns from the offseason with their high skill levels and attributes that will benefit Alabama in the upcoming 2024 college season.
Although Alabama added a starting cornerback via the Transfer Portal in Domani Jackson, they didn’t stop there. DaShawn Jones, a two-year starter for Wake Forest, joined the team. Jones is known for his physical play, despite not being the fastest or most explosive corner. He excels in reading quarterbacks’ eyes, the ball, and receivers’ routes, making him effective in one-on-one matchups. Last season, he recorded 37 tackles, three interceptions (sixth-highest in the ACC), two tackles for loss, and two pass deflections. In 2022, his first season as a full-time starter, he also had five pass breakups.
Among the new transfers with the least experience but significant potential is King Mack. Last season, he played five games on special teams for Penn State as a true freshman. Despite lacking size, King is highly athletic and a skilled playmaker, with the ability to read plays and make critical interceptions or deflections. Known for his hard hits and determination, he sacrifices his body to make impactful plays. Andrew Ivins of 247Sports praised King’s speed, instincts, ball skills, physicality, and leadership, comparing him to Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker. While King might not be ready for major reps immediately, he is a promising project for DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Womack, potentially becoming a special player on the field and in the locker room.
Addressing the offensive line, Alabama added a rising redshirt junior guard, Geno VanDeMark. VanDeMark played 18 games with eight starts over the past two seasons at Michigan State, with his best performances in 2023 despite being plagued by injuries. Reuniting with his former offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, VanDeMark aims for a fresh start. Kapilovic, who coached him for the past four seasons, knows how to maximize his potential. VanDeMark is strong at the line of scrimmage, excels in run blockingAddressing the offensive line, Alabama added a rising redshirt junior guard, Geno VanDeMark. VanDeMark played, and brings aggression to pass blocking. If he can improve his lateral quickness and overall speed, he could become an elite offensive lineman for Alabama.
