Alabama freshman tight end ‘gaining a lot of steam’

Nov 22, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Marshall Pritchett (14) is tackled by Eastern Illinois Panthers safety Tienne Fridge (8) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

The No. 10 Crimson Tide dominated Eastern Illinois 56-0 on Saturday, and in that win, plenty of backups got their opportunity to show off their talent. Marshall Pritchett, a freshman tight end for the Tide, was one of those players.

Pritchett is a former four-star tight end out of Georgia who chose to be a part of Alabama’s top-5 recruiting class in 2025.

Behind tight ends Josh Cuevas and Kaleb Edwards, Pritchett has struggled to get any playing time.

The only other appearance Pritchett had made this season was in the Tide’s overwhelming 73-0 victory over Louisiana-Monroe in Week 2. In that game, he was able to secure two receptions for 12 yards.

However, on Saturday, Pritchett made his mark as Alabama’s third-leading receiver with four receptions for 33 yards. Head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke about Pritchett and his development after the game.

“Marshall Pritchett, who’s going to be a really good football player, the last few weeks he’s really gained a lot of steam,” DeBoer said. “Got a few reps, he’s been great on special teams, and we saw him earlier in the season, scout team, tearing it up. And getting healthier throughout the year, and now he’s out there doing his thing, and it was good to see him get comfortable.”

Although Pritchett may not see the field much more this season, he’ll definitely be a factor for Alabama in the future alongside other 2025 recruits, like quarterback Keelon Russell, who also saw some playing time on Saturday.

Games like this give the team a chance to get the younger guys some playing time and developmental opportunities, but it also gives fans a chance to see what the future may look like, and that future will eventually include Pritchett.