“Spot of Need”: As Nick Saban’s Exit Creates CB Dilemma, Kalen DeBoer Provided with Clear-Cut Strategies for Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide is facing one of their biggest dilemma since Nick Saban’s exit has left a huge void in the team. With Saban’s exit came the loss of several of his best players to the transfer portal, and as such, Kalen DeBoer needs to fill up a few spots in the roster urgently.

Kalen DeBoer has stood on a mountain of expectations ever since he was appointed as the replacement for the legendary Saban. After he led the Washington Huskies to the natty game, the Crimson Tide chose him as the next great HC. But he is facing an issue of finding the next cornerback for the team since their star player, Terrion Arnold got picked by the Detroit Lions in the NFL Draft.

Kalen DeBoer needs to make drastic changes to the roster

On the 4th May episode of the Touchdown Alabama show, the host dove deep into the issues that are persisting with the lack of a proper cornerback on the team. Stephen M. Smith, had an important piece of advice for DeBoer as he highlighted the crucial need for a new player to take over for the absence of Arnold.

Smith analyzed and gave his two cents saying, “That cornerback spot is a spot of need for Alabama when you discuss so many guys that hit the portal after Nick Saban announced his retirement from coaching Alabama football. And of course, you lose Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry to the NFL draft so cornerback is a need.”

He further added, “Yes, you did bring in Domani Jackson from the transfer portal by the way of USC. I like him. He’s a talent and then you got Jahlil Hurley, who came to the Crimson Tide from Florence High School, North Alabama area as a five-star in the 2023 class.”

Thus, players like Jahlil Hurley and Domani Jackson could pave a new way for the Alabama offense and yet, the challenge for DeBoer persists. However, it doesn’t seem like the former Washington coach seems all too worried since he recently spoke about how the transfer portal affects the team.

Kalen DeBoer speaks up on the portal additions

The expectations are high for DeBoer and his team since Alabama has gone trophy-less since the year 2020. Even after failing to stir up waves last season, the fans continue to hold out hope for the legendary team that showcased their dominance for over a decade.

In a recent interview, DeBoer said, “The portal closes, so no one really can enter, but there’s guys that we’re working through that we have visits or will have visits, trying to get them set to come to campus. I think in the end, I feel good about the direction we’re going with our making the roster better, improving the roster. That’s what it’s about.”

Thus, implementing changes in the team, DeBoer seems to believe will be the key to a promising run in the 2024 season. And by the looks of it, he doesn’t seem too concerned with the players who have left and is hopeful about the new players coming in.