Alabama adds final piece from the transfer portal
Alabama has dipped into the transfer portal for its final piece to the 2023 roster. Former UAB safety Jaylen Key announced his commitment on Friday. The news dropped after Key concluded a two-day official visit in Tuscaloosa earlier this week.
Key, who is originally from Tallahassee, Florida, trimmed his list to three schools prior to returning to Alabama. The finalists also included Florida State and Ole Miss. He took official visits with the Seminoles and Rebels last week. The decision ultimately came down between Alabama and Florida State.
“It’s all business-like,” Key told BamaInsider after visiting the Crimson Tide. “They are all great people. The relationships I have there are good. It’s really all business when it comes to ‘Bama. You come in and get your work done.
“Everyone there has a constant obsession of winning and being great. They are all about preparing and getting guys to the next level. Players go to ‘Bama and are able to live out their dreams.”
Key announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on April 25. He took an unofficial visit to Alabama the following day. He quickly connected with defensive backs coach/lead recruiter, Travaris Robinson. The opportunity to play one season for Coach Nick Saban also made it an easier decision.
“Coach Saban was more about how this is more of a business-move with me only having one season available to play,” he said. “It’s about coming in, working and proving myself every day. It’s about creating value for myself for these next eight months.
“T-Rob is a great person; just an overall great person. He is a great football coach, but you can’t go wrong with being around good people. It’s great to have a relationship with people who will tell you what it is, and what it’s not. Some situations might be a little cloudy, but he will tell you how it is. We’ve only known each other for a few weeks, but we have really grown close.”
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Key will compete for a starting role this fall after the departure of three safeties (Brian Branch, Jordan Battle, DeMarcco Hellams) from the 2022 team to the NFL. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound sixth year senior had 60 tackles, 4.5 tackless for loss and three interceptions for the Blazers last fall.
Key described himself as a ‘hybrid’ safety who can play multiple positions. He only has one season of eligibility remaining, and believes Alabama is best suited to prepare him for the next level.
“I really like the overall atmosphere,” Key said earlier this week. “Alabama is expected to be great. They are very player-centric. Everything involved with the players is first class. It’s all about making the players comfortable, but preparing them for the next level at all costs. They have all the resources available. They give players a better shot than most other places. The environment there is different. Everyone is striving to be great.”
Alabama also adds transfer cornerback
Key is the fourth transfer portal addition for the Crimson Tide. Tight end CJ Dippre (Maryland) and inside linebacker Trezmen Marshall (UGA) arrived at Alabama in January. Both participated in spring practice. Former Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner announced his commitment to Alabama less than two weeks ago.
Former Louisiana cornerback Trey Amos took an official visit to Alabama on Saturday/Sunday. Amos announced his commitment to Alabama on Tuesday. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound athlete is expected to compete right away for immediate playing time. Amos, along with Key and Buchner, will report to Alabama on May 28.
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