Former Big Ten lineman announces commitment to Alabama
Coach Kalen DeBoer had often mentioned the need for depth on the offensive line and defensive backfield. Alabama made significant moves on both fronts via the transfer portal during the last few weeks. The Crimson Tide is putting the final touches on its fall roster, and it received another commitment on Saturday.
Former Michigan State offensive guard Geno VanDeMark has announced plans to transfer to Alabama. VanDeMark entered the portal on 4/29. He is the second OL transfer to Alabama since the end of spring practice joining Kadyn Proctor, who returned to Alabama after a brief stint with Iowa.
The 6-foot-5, 320-pound lineman is originally from Buffalo. He started playing football in 9th grade and was a Top 10-overall recruit in New Jersey (St. Joseph) as a senior before signing with Michigan State (2021).
MUST-READ: In-state OL talks ‘eye-opening visit to Alabama’
VanDeMark reunites with Coach Kap at Alabama
VanDeMark played in eight games, which included six starts at right guard this past season for the Spartans as a redshirt sophomore. He also appeared in 10 games with two starts in 2022. He has two years of eligibility remaining. VanDeMark has primarily played guard, but also worked at center. Alabama is recruiting him as an interior OL.
“Geno has done some good things this camp and spring ball,” Coach Kapilovic told Michigan Live in August regarding his former player. “He’s changed his body – if you saw the before and after picture it’s huge. He’s playing center and guard; I’m comfortable with at either, and he has to go against (defensive tackle Simeon Barrow) every snap so there’s been some tough moments for him but it’s made him better. I like where he’s at.”
VanDeMark added in the same feature that Coach Kap is “the best in the business.” The reunion helps eliminate depth concerns. VanDeMark had other options. SoonerScoop reported an offer from Oklahoma. Others involved included Arizona State, Arkansas, Duke, Ole Miss and South Carolina.
Coach Kap recruited and has coached VanDeMark since he signed with the Spartans in 2021. VandeMark actually entered the transfer portal on December 27, but removed himself after deciding to return for the spring semester.
More discussion regarding VanDeMark on the RoundTable-HERE
VanDeMark is the sixth transfer commitment for Alabama since the conclusion of spring practice. He joins OL Kadyn Proctor (retuned to UA after transferring to Iowa), S King Mack (Penn State), S Kam Howard (Charlotte), CB DaShawn Jones (Wake Forest), K Graham Nicholson (Miami Ohio).
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