In tracking undrafted free agents for the University of Alabama, former offensive lineman Korren Kirven has joined wide receiver Gehrig Dieter in landing a spot in the National Football League.
Per Element Sports Group, a marketing agency in Atlanta, Kirven signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He joins tight end O.J. Howard, who was selected in the first round – 19th overall pick – of the NFL Draft. Head coach Nick Saban creates success in cross-training linebackers, defensive backs and linemen.
KORREN KIRVEN (@CrimsonTide85) is headed to the @TBBuccaneers ! Congrats, Korren! #NFLDraft #ElementFamily pic.twitter.com/KESbZmUP1D
— Element Sports Group (@element_sports) April 30, 2017
The 6-foot-4, 311-pounder signed in the Crimson Tide’s 2012 class as one the nation’s elite defensive tackle prospects. After redshirting his freshman season and being a reserve player in 2013 and 2014, he was transitioned to offense in the summer of 2015. Kirven saw action in 13 games during his junior and senior years, including six starts at right guard in the 2016 season.
While he did not allow a sack in three of six starts, Kirven did open holes for 200-plus rushing yards in five of the six games. His coming out party occurred versus Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinal – Peach Bowl – where he blocked for Bo Scarbrough’s career-high 180 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries in the Tide’s 24-7 victory over the Huskies.
He returned with a solid performance against Clemson in the CFP national title game, clearing the way for 221 yards rushing and three touchdowns. With a relatively young offensive front, Kirven has an opportunity to compete and earn a starting job for the Buccaneers in the fall.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
