Henry To'o To'o opens up about the transfer portal, what it has done

Henry To’o To’o knows a thing or two about the transfer portal after transferring from Tennessee to Alabama this year. He spoke at length about it this week ahead of the Orange Bowl.

To’o To’o played his first two years for the Volunteers before leaving for Tuscaloosa this offseason. The portal has become a hot topic across the sport, but To’o To’o sees benefits to it, too.

“I think for me personally, it was a really long process, a long decision that I had to make,” To’o To’o said. “But I honestly think the transfer portal is good. A lot of people are able to find what’s best for them. That’s what a lot of people don’t understand, is we’re human, too. Players are human, too. And we have a life to live. And we want to have a successful life, too.

“I think the transfer portal is huge. It’s a blessing for a lot of people, and you can see people using the advantages of it.”

The portal has been active once again this offseason, which has led to chatter about how players make their decisions. To’o To’o offered his thoughts on that considering he went through it in the last year.

“That’s up to the … players on their decisions,” To’o To’o said. “It’s them, it’s their decision. That’s how I feel about it. It’s your decision, honestly. I ain’t going to lie.”

Henry To’o To’o reflects on decision to transfer, why he chose Alabama

Being able to pull players from the transfer portal has made the Alabama Crimson Tide more dangerous than before. Two have made a major impact this season in wide receiver Jameson Williams and linebacker Henry To’o To’o.

For To’o To’o, he decided to make the switch from one of Alabama’s biggest rivals, Tennessee. On Monday, he reflected on the decision he made a year ago and why he chose the Crimson Tide when top programs from across the country were calling.

“Obviously, when you come to Alabama, you’re going to compete for championships,” To’o To’o said. “For me, I just want to be able to come and mold with the guys, be a brother to everybody, and just be that guy they can depend on either on or off the field. Just be a good brother and good friend to them.

“You come to Alabama to play for championships. I honestly think it’s just a bond we had and the bond I created with everybody to be able to have this success. Your relationship doesn’t only last on the field but off the field. It’s a true testament to everybody on our team.”

To’o To’o has been a huge part of the Alabama defense this season, leading from the middle linebacker position. He has recorded 100 tackles on the season and tacked on four sacks and a forced fumble. Christian Harris has been To’o To’o’s partner in crime all season, being the backbone of the defense.