Alabama head coach Nick Saban dipped into the NCAA transfer portal to help his defense for the upcoming season.
He grabbed a junior college athlete (Justin Jefferson) and two defensive backs from Division I schools.
RELATED: Alabama transfer safety Jaylen Key unveils his number for the fall
After graduating both safeties from 2022 to the National Football League, the Crimson Tide has someone fighting to take one of two jobs left behind by Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams. Jaylen Key, a transfer safety from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is a native of Quincy, Fla. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder played in 43 career games at UAB — totaling 74 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, five pass breakups, and three interceptions. He turned in a breakout year for the Blazers in 2022, posting 60 tackles, 4.5 stops for loss, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
Key played wide receiver and defensive back at Amos P. Godby High School. He brings talent, experience, and versatility to Alabama’s secondary, but where does he best fit in the rotation? On Thursday, Coach Saban highlighted Key to reporters after practice to open fall camp. Saban likes the ability Key has to play in the box as a strong safety or attack the ball as a free safety.
“We needed a couple of versatile guys in the secondary,” Saban said.
“Jaylen is learning the system, but he is an instinctive player. He does have good size, and I think he can play in the deep part of the field. I think he can play in the box. He is learning, but he has a great attitude. He is smart, and I think the experience he has will help him develop. I think he is going to be a guy that can help us and contribute. I am not sure exactly what role yet because we are moving a lot of guys around to different positions, but we are trying to find the best five guys to play the best spots on the back end.”
RELATED: Alabama transfer safety Jaylen Key arrives for summer training
Key played against two Southeastern Conference offenses in his tenure at UAB, including LSU last year. He faces much competition in the secondary as the Tide has experience players and impressive young talent.
We will see where he makes his mark with fall practice in session for Alabama.
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*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.
