He is doing all he can to assemble a coaching staff and keep a roster of players together, but Kalen DeBoer is also seeing athletes leave the University of Alabama football program in the NCAA transfer portal.
The Crimson Tide has had a few five-star athletes in future recruiting classes to back off their commitments.
RELATED: BREAKING: Former 5-star OT Kadyn Proctor leaves Alabama for NCAA transfer portal
Zion Grady, a five-star edge rusher for 2025, is an elite player from Enterprise (Ala.) High School.
According to Justin Smith, the Director of Scouting and Recruiting from Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Grady said ‘the communication has to be there’ from DeBoer and his staff. Saban’s retirement caused Grady to de-commit. He is open to coming back, but he wants the communication to flow between him and the new coaching staff. Nick Gentry, a former Alabama defensive linemen, is not happy about Grady backing off his commitment. He would love to be a part of the coaching staff as the Prattville (Ala.) native was a two-time BCS National Champion in 2009 and 2011. Gentry had one message for Alabama’s coaching staff.
Now I’m getting pissed off!! What are we doing!! We have to communicate with these high school kids man!! https://t.co/rqIFmMORnG
— ✨🏈 “COACH G”Nick Gentry🏈✨ (@nickbgentry) January 17, 2024
Hopefully, DeBoer and his staff can get Grady back on board.
*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.