Returning Alabama football players who should be talked about more

Alabama football added a solid amount of talent to its roster from the transfer portal during the offseason. Several of those players are expected to make an early impact in Tuscaloosa.

The Crimson Tide also retained players, who look as if they will be key pieces this fall. Here is a look at three who should be talked about more:

Edric Hill

Hill played in all 15 games for the Crimson Tide and started in three along the defensive line. He finished the 2025 season with 23 total tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. The Missouri native signed with Alabama as a member of its 2023 recruiting class and has stayed the course. He lined up at defensive tackle last season within the Kane Wommack’s defensive scheme, and he earned the right to be now be called one of the most experienced returning defenders on the Tide’s roster. He will compete for the starting role at the position this fall. If he does not win the job, look out for him to be a key depth piece.

Jay Lindsey

Lindsey is a gritty and physical tight end for Alabama. The average Alabama fan may not realize how much he played last season. He contributed in all 15 games for the Tide in 2025 on offense and special teams. He started against Eastern Illinois when Josh Cuevas went down with an injury, and it was no secret why. The Tide rushed for 269 yards and ran the ball 49 times against the Panthers in hopes of finding a rhythm in the run game. That gameplan fit exactly what Lindsey shines at as a physical blocking tight end. The 6-foot-5, 258-pounder will likely line up at the fullback role position in certain sets for the Tide this fall and be used as in-line blocker at tight end. If he is able to make some plays in the passing game this fall, it would be a major plus for his stock.

Alabama TE Jay Lindsey working the combo block technique as he moves up to the second-level defender.

Lindsey was known as physical hard-nosed football player as a recruit. He has the potential to be a nasty blocker at TE for Alabama in the future with Robbie Ouzts gone. pic.twitter.com/Doe3XT4j0g

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) April 8, 2025

Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.

It may be hard to keep teh legacy defensive back off the field this fall. Known as an opportunist coming out of Gadsden City High School, Kirkpatrick has shown he has a knack for taking the ball away. He forced a fumble last season and recorded an interception during the Tide’s spring game, A-Day. He is expected to line up at the Husky position for the Tide in the fall and play behind Red Morgan. This opens the door for him to get on the field as a depth piece because Alabama has shown a willingness to rotate at the position. This role will allow Kirkpatrick to show off his physicality against the run and his ability to make plays all over the field.

Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. was making plays on defense during the Tide’s A-Day scrimmage.

Here is a breakdown of the top playmakers from Saturday:https://t.co/oHxn87k6yc pic.twitter.com/SYL1cx0ebv

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) April 12, 2026