The NCAA transfer portal continues to be good to Nick Saban and Alabama football.
Landon Dickerson came from the portal in 2019, and he helped the Crimson Tide become an undefeated national champion in 2020.
Jameson Williams and Henry To’oto’o arrived in the summer of 2021. Williams became a fan favorite and one of the best wide receivers to play at Alabama. To’oto’o finished with 112 total tackles and helped the Tide to the CFP title game.
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Both players pushed Alabama to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a Cotton Bowl victory last year.
It did not beat out Texas A&M for the No. 1 signing class, but the Tide secured three transfers with Jermaine Burton (wide receiver), Jahmyr Gibbs (running back), and Elias Ricks (cornerback). Burton (Georgia) and Ricks (LSU) come from the SEC, while Gibbs hails from the Atlantic Coast Conference. Coach Saban said on Wednesday that all three played well for their respective schools, and he feels they will be great additions to Alabama for next season.
Alabama recruited Jermaine Burton out of high school before he chose the Bulldogs.
“We thought he was a good player,” Saban said of Burton. “He had a fairly productive year at Georgia, but they had a lot of good players at his position. He had some production, but he probably saw a better opportunity because we’re more open to throwing the ball with a good quarterback. That may have been his intention. We like his ability and experience.”
The Tide graduates Williams, John Metchie, and Slade Bolden to the NFL Draft.
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Burton provides a veteran presence and big-play experience. He caught 53 passes for 901 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in two years with the Bulldogs. Despite losing Camar Wheaton to the portal, Jahymr Gibbs brings explosiveness.
“Gibbs was a very productive running back at Georgia Tech,” Saban said. “He’s a fast, explosive guy. He has good hands and practiced with us before the national championship game. We are excited about his speed and explosiveness. He is a good receiver. I think he can do a lot of positive things for us.”
Gibbs totaled 746 rushing yards, 470 receiving yards, 589 kick return yards, and seven touchdowns in 2021.
Eli Ricks brings veteran leadership and playmaking abilities at cornerback.
“Eli Ricks was a starting cornerback at LSU,” Saban said. “He hurt his shoulder last year and missed over half the season. We lost both our cornerbacks to the NFL Draft. It is a good opportunity for him, and it adds depth and experience for us.”
Ricks tallied 31 tackles, six pass breakups, and five interceptions in 16 games at LSU.
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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.
