Connect with us

Alabama Football Headlines

NCAA approves one-time transfer rule: Does Alabama get LB Henry To’o To’o?

Henry To'o To'o waves hands to fans
Randy Sartin - USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, big news happened in collegiate athletics as the NCAA approved the one-time transfer rule.

This means athletes in all sports will be able to transfer once and immediately be eligible to play.

During the start of this offseason, the question surrounding Alabama football fans was on Henry To’o To’o. He started two seasons as a linebacker for the University of Tennessee; however, he entered the transfer portal after multiple recruiting violations hit the program.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder was one of the team leaders for tackles in each of his two seasons.

RELATED: Slade Bolden gives advice to freshmen playing in first A-Day game

To’o To’o recorded a team-high 76 tackles in 2020, including 10 for loss and one sack. He also posted two pass breakups, two quarterback pressures, and one interception. He has played in 23 career games — 22 starts — and made the Freshman All-SEC team in 2019. To’o To’o was a preseason candidate for Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, and Dick Butkus awards in 2020.

Alabama’s had a great spring with Jaylen Moody and Shane Lee stepping up at middle linebacker.

Christian Harris, a junior, is expected to play middle and weakside linebacker in the fall.

Nick Saban is also grooming Jackson Bratton, Deontae Lawson (true freshman), and Ian Jackson (true freshman) for the role too. To’o To’o would be a luxury piece for the Crimson Tide, but the program would not need him. It will be interesting to see what happens moving forward.

To’o To’o will be eligible to play, but it comes down to the Southeastern Conference and Saban.

*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*

Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Facebook Comments

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

More in Alabama Football Headlines