Nick Saban complimentary of two transfers on first day of fall camp

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama added five players from the transfer portal for the second year in a row, and all five will have opportunities to be contributors for the Crimson Tide this fall.

Following Alabama’s first practice of the preseason Thursday, head coach Nick Saban touched on some of the new additions. He was asked about the tight end position as a whole but didn’t hesitate to praise Maryland transfer CJ Dippre, who has been on campus since the spring.

Dippre spent the first two seasons of his college career with the Terrapins, where he appeared in all 25 games. Even though there is talent at his position at Alabama, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound junior has more experience and production than the rest of the Tide’s tight end room. Dippre is joining an offense that will be led by an offensive coordinator that is known for his love to get the tight ends involved in Tommy Rees, and he could be a Day 1 starter out of the portal.

“The tight end group has made really good progress,” Saban said. “CJ has been a really good addition to that group. He’s got maturity. He’s got experience. He’s got size. He’s got good hands. He’s pretty good in the passing game. He’s a pretty decent blocker. 

“Amari (Niblack) has really made a lot of improvement. He’s kind of a mismatch player a little bit in the passing game, which is a good thing. All the other guys are progressing nicely, as well. That group has come a long way, I think, over the spring and summer.”

Dippre was one of two transfer portal players that went through spring drills, along with inside linebacker Trezmen Marshall, but Alabama welcomed three players to the team shortly after the semester ended as Saban felt the need to add depth at quarterback and in the secondary. 

*** Related: What Nick Saban said about Alabama’s QB battle after first practice ***

Defensive backs Trey Amos (Lousiana) and Jaylen Key (UAB) committed to the Tide, giving a boost to the cornerback and safety units, respectively, but also adding two quality options.

Key, in particular, brings needed experience to Alabama, having played in 43 games over the last four years after he redshirted in 2018. In 2022. He ranked third on the team with 60 tackles, registering a career-high 12 against LSU, and also recorded three interceptions, 4.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Key can play multiple positions and could challenge to be a starter at safety, Star or Money for the start of the 2023 campaign.

“I think we needed a couple of versatile guys in the secondary,” Saban said. “I like the two guys that we were able to add. Jaylen is learning the system, but he is an instinctive player. He does have good size. I think he can play in the deep part of the field, and I think he can play in the box. I think that he’s learning, but he’s got a great attitude and he’s smart. And I think the experience that he has, because he has played before and played some games at this level in the SEC, will really help him develop. 

“I think he’s gonna be a guy that can really help us and contribute. I’m not sure exactly what role yet. We’re moving a lot of guys around to different positions, but we’re trying to find the best five guys to sort of play the best spots in the back end.”

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