Cole Cubelic breaks down Jamil Burroughs transfer decision, impact on Alabama defense

Alabama defensive lineman Jamil Burroughs entered the transfer portal last Friday, leaving the Crimson Tide program after spending three seasons in Tuscaloosa.

Reports have hinted at Burroughs’ not having the cleanest exit from the team, as he reportedly faced severe discipline from the team prior to him transferring, which college football insider Cole Cubelic discussed on a recent episode of ‘The Cube Show’.

“Alabama defensive lineman Jamil Burroughs has hit the transfer portal,” Cubelic said. “Apparently, there was a confrontation with a coach, which is never good, especially if that becomes physical. Verbal, it’s going to happen sometimes, we’re gonna see that, we hear that, seen a million of them. Physical, now you’re on a different level, different level of disrespect, can’t put up with it, nobody’s gonna want to put up with it. Rarely do you see a kid kind of bounce back from that and everybody be on the same page.”

The full details of Burroughs’ altercation with a staff member have not been revealed, but apparently they involved a physical altercation with assistant strength coach Josh Chapman.

There’s no doubt the situation was an unneeded off-the-field distraction for Alabama’s program, but it also serves as a big loss on the field for the Crimson Tide according to Cubelic.

“Problem here is even though earlier in the show we told you that we thought maybe the best interior defensive lineman in the SEC plays for Alabama, they still need other guys to help. So Jaheim Oatis‘ gonna have a big year, but we’ve been waiting on Tim Smith to come on for a while and it doesn’t feel like there’s two or three others that are right there ready to go as far as inside defenders. Like (Justin) Eboigbe‘s nice, but he’s a little bit lighter and sleeker, he doesn’t give you that body type,” Cubelic explained.

Oatis broke out in his first season with Alabama, making 10 starts and earning Freshman All-SEC honors for his 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, four quarterback hurries, and a pair of pass breakups. He’ll likely again be the centerpiece of Alabama’s interior defensive line, but he can’t play every snap for the team, as others will likely have to step up even more at the position following Burroughs’ departure.

“Burroughs was somebody I think they were depending on to be able to give them that,” Cubelic said. “So this is just another body removed that I think could have helped Alabama inside and I think that might be a place of concern outside of Oatis. So now I think a lot onus goes on Tim Smith, gotta step it up, gotta have him have a big year, and we’ll see what takes place.”

Being strong in the A-gaps has historically been a staple of Alabama’s defense, but the exit of Burroughs presents a new challenge for the Crimson Tide, as some new players will likely have to step up and play a bigger role than they initially anticipated heading into the 2023 season.