Alabama CB Khyree Jackson withdraws name from transfer portal, plans to re-enter
UPDATE: Khyree Jackson revealed after the news broke that he is only withdrawing due to timing for non-grad transfers. He’ll be re-entering on Monday.
Last week, Alabama cornerback Khyree Jackson entered his name into the transfer portal. Eight days later, it was revealed that the junior is withdrawing his name. On3 college football reporter Matt Zenitz was the first to break that news, which comes less than a day after multiple other Crimson Tide standouts entered.
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Assuming this sticks, the decision from Jackson does make sense.
As second-year players, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold are both returning at cornerback. But with other losses in the secondary, it’s possible that Arnold could move to either Star or safety. Even if he didn’t, the expected departure of Eli Ricks presents Jackson with an opportunity to compete with Arnold to start opposite McKinstry.
Plus, there’s always the possibility that Jackson could make a move inside or to safety. Through his two seasons in Tuscaloosa, he’s struggled to carry receivers vertically. But at 6-foot-3, 198 pounds, he’s a big, physical defensive back whose skillset could be utilized elsewhere to potentially mask that weakness.
To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.
Either way, it never hurts to retain experienced depth for competition purposes.
Now, it should also be noted that Jackson has been suspended in recent weeks. He missed the Ole Miss and Austin Peay games, and when asked about his absence, Alabama coach Nick Saban revealed the suspension. There wasn’t any elaboration, however.
“He’s suspended right now,” Saban told to reporters when asked about Jackson’s absence last Monday.
I’m guessing Jackson wouldn’t have withdrawn his name without the approval of Saban. Now, that doesn’t mean that he won’t be able to re-enter at a later date, but there’s no harm in sticking around to compete. That’s what he’d likely have to do elsewhere, after all.
Jackson played 64 snaps over the first three weeks of this season and even got the start on the road against Texas back in Week 2. Unfortunately, allowing two catches for 68 yards on two targets got him benched in favor of Arnold, and he only got nine snaps against UL-Monroe the following week.
We haven’t seen Jackson on defense since then.
For his career, the former JUCO product has played 197 snaps with two starts. He’s allowed four receptions on 10 targets for 118 yards, which comes out to 29.5 yards per catch. In other words, he’s giving up explosive plays downfield when he does allow a reception.
Maybe a move to either Star or safety would help him. Time will tell.
Other Alabama transfer portal articles
DL Braylen Ingraham | P Jack Martin | RB Trey Sanders
