Kalen DeBoer: Alabama had to be ‘choosy’ in transfer portal

Kalen DeBoer noted Alabama had to pick and choose in the transfer portal, based on the type of roster he and his staff built.

There were a lot of things in place for DeBoer as he arrived. But still, any coach would want to take a look at the portal, see what’s available and if there’s any chance at an upgrade.

But because of what Alabama had already, DeBoer said the staff had to be “choosy.” 

“I think it’s been really good,” DeBoer said regarding the portal. “Feel like we will improve our roster when it’s all said and done. There weren’t a lot of spots left for us to be able to bring some players in so we had to be real choosy. So as guys have entered, we’ve continued to tweak and adjust our plan. But I think we’re right where we want to be and getting close to finalizing these last couple spots on this team.”

DeBoer previously said not losing as many players as others thought they might was good, even though, at the time, there was still some time to go in the spring window.

“Yeah, I would have hoped that it is what we’re going through right now,” DeBoer said. “Of course, we’ve still got couple weeks left of that. You know, things can change. Guys are still always trying to figure out where they’re at in there career.”

Still, DeBoer credited his staff for doing what they could to keep as much of the team together as possible. They had a lot of conversations and put in their time in trying to make a case to the players in order to get them back to Tuscaloosa rather than into the portal.

“I just think we’re in a great position considering everything, like you said, that has happened with a major transition,” DeBoer said.

“I’m proud of our staff for developing some relationships. I’m proud of how they’ve really helped show guys their role on the team and helped the buy in to those roles happen,” said DeBoer. “There’s 100, almost 130 guys on our team. We’re meeting with them individually and one-on-one, every single one of them. Those are important meetings that are happening right now.”

The decisions made now could have an impact months from now when Alabama is in the thick of the season. But it’s clear DeBoer has a plan and isn’t running wild with the portal either way.