Nick Saban on transfer portal additions: We want guys who make an immediate impact

Last year, Alabama made some big splashes in the transfer portal. This time around, though, things have been different with just two commitments from the first portal window — and Nick Saban confirmed he and the staff are selective with their transfer targets.

Alabama has brought in former Georgia linebacker Trezmen Marshall and former Maryland tight end CJ Dippre during the first part of the portal cycle. Dippre is currently the No. 51-ranked transfer to hit the portal this cycle, according to the 2023 On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. The window re-opens May 1 after spring practice, and that very well could change.

But Saban made it clear he wants to be deliberate with who he and the staff targets in the portal.

“What we’ve tried to do when it comes to the portal is look at guys that we think can make an immediate impact on our team,” Saban said. “We have always tried to build our team with good recruiting of good, young players who sort of fit the culture of what we want to do. … I think most of the players that we’ve taken from the portal, and I think there’s been six prior to this year. Five of those guys all made significant impacts on the team. One guy got injured and probably didn’t have the opportunity to do it or he probably would’ve made an impact, as well.

“We’re going to continue that same philosophy of how we bring guys in to the team. We still have to manage the roster, we still have to manage numbers. I think you’ve always got to take that into consideration when you’re dealing with the portal, as well.”

Last year, Alabama brought in five transfers, led by running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Jermaine Burton — both of whom were top-10 transfers, according to the 2022 On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. One player from that group, Louisville transfer wide receiver Tyler Harrell, entered the portal again this year after appearing in just five games.

The others, as Saban said, settled in to roles on the field, and Gibbs even boosted his NFL Draft stock as a result of his transfer from Georgia Tech. He led the Crimson Tide in rushing while also emerging as a key weapon in the passing game.

The Crimson Tide, like many teams around college football, are gearing up for spring practice to try and improve off a 11-2 record in 2022.