Easy come, easy go. Alabama returns much talent in 2015, and its head coach Nick Saban expects to have another top-ranked recruiting class. Despite the good, the Crimson Tide has witnessed three players leave its football program. Altee Tenpenny, Dee Liner and Malcolm Faciane won’t be a part of Alabama’s roster next season.
Sophomore running back Altee Tenpenny showed signs of promise for Alabama as a freshman. A former four-star prospect, Tenpenny rushed for 82 yards on 22 carries in 2013. He recorded his first collegiate touchdown against Kentucky, a 7-yard run in the fourth quarter. Tenpenny was a contributor on special teams, totaling five stops.
The Arkansas native came to Alabama as one of the top running backs nationally, but Tenpenny was demoted to the practice squad in 2014. He finished the season with 136 yards on 26 carries. Tenpenny took to Twitter on Jan. 18, 2015 to voice his decision on seeking a transfer.
“These past 2 years with the Crimson Tide has been great experience, but it’s time to start a new chapter.”- Altee Tenpenny (@Boobie_Miles_22)
Tenpenny later deleted the tweet, but its message was clear.
Sophomore defensive lineman Dee Liner was officially released from his scholarship Tuesday. Liner was one of the elite defensive linemen signed in Alabama’s 2013 class, but he’s fared as just another practiced squad player. A native of Muscle Shoals, Ala, Liner finished his high school career with over 200 tackles and 32 sacks.
Liner appeared in one game as a freshman in 2013. He totaled two tackles against Tennessee. Like Tenpenny, Liner took to social media for venting and showing gratitude.
“Thank Coach Saban and his staff for everything! But it’s time for me to start a new journey!”- Dee Liner (@Liner_25)
No concrete answer stands as to why junior tight end Malcolm Faciane left. Rumors have stated that he is either seeking a transfer, or he has completed a degree and is done with athletics. Regardless of the issue, Faciane was a four-star recruit from Picayune, Miss.
He caught seven passes for 132 yards and a touchdown as a junior in 2009. Faciane appeared in eight games for Alabama in 2012. He saw action in eight games as a backup tight end in 2013.
Tenpenny, Liner and Faciane all exit with their championship memories. Faciane was a member of Alabama’s Southeastern Conference title and national championship team in 2012. He was a part of Alabama’s SEC Championship team in 2014. Tenpenny and Liner were members of Alabama’s 2014 SEC title team. All three individuals were in the College Football Playoff.
