Alabama Crimson Tide land transfer OT target Tyler Steen
The Alabama Crimson Tide have successfully dipped into the transfer portal once again.
On Tuesday, Alabama landed a commitment from Vanderbilt offensive lineman transfer Tyler Steen. Steen had been in the transfer portal since early January, but made today’s decision after taking multiple visits in March, including one to Alabama the final weekend of the month.
Although Steen wasn’t the highest-rated remaining entry in the transfer portal, per the On3 2022 College Football Transfer portal rankings, there was some stiff competition for him. According to his father, Daris, the finalists were Alabama, Kentucky, LSU, and Virginia.
Kentucky lost some key offensive linemen, LSU is where Daris played football at and attended school, and Virginia recently signed his brother, Blake.
On top of beating out these schools for Steen’s services, the Crimson Tide will, most importantly, be getting a serviceable offensive lineman. Steen started over 30 games since 2019 and although Vanderbilt isn’t a powerhouse, he’s accustomed to playing against SEC-level competition.
Nothing is guaranteed, but Steen is likely to play left tackle at Alabama. His father says his current weight is 310-315 pounds and that Steen has been heavily training this off-season.
Alabama continues to have success in the transfer portal
One could make the argument that Alabama had the best transfer portal recruiting success in recent months.
That success actually began during their 2021-2022 campaign. Alabama added former five-star and LSU Tiger Elias Ricks to the fold shortly after their SEC Championship win over Georgia.
Ricks was a Freshman All-America selection back in 2020 as he had four interceptions and nine pass breakups in eight games played.
Then, six days after Ricks committed, Alabama landed former Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs is a versatile player who is effective both on the ground and catching the ball as well; he totaled 36 receptions for 470 yards and 1,216 total yards last season.
Then, in January, the Crimson Tide received a commitment from Jermaine Burton, a former Georgia Bulldog. Not only does Alabama add a talented pass catcher in Burton; they also take him away from what will be their stiffest competition in the SEC for the foreseeable.
Add Steen to this mix, and you get one of the best groups of incoming transfers in college football.
