“Things had been quiet for Alabama football during the spring Transfer Portal window, but on Wednesday, Kalen DeBoer secured a key commitment at a crucial position of need.”
It’s been a quiet spring Transfer Portal window for Alabama football. No scholarship players have departed the program, but until Wednesday night, the Crimson Tide hadn’t brought anyone in, either.
Kalen DeBoer and his staff have been working to bolster the roster by targeting depth pieces, with tight end emerging as the top priority. By the end of spring practice, Alabama was down to just one healthy scholarship tight end.
While the Tide had been linked to Troy’s Brody Dalton—who is currently visiting Tuscaloosa—they made a surprise move Wednesday night, securing a commitment from West Virginia’s Jack Sammarco, a player not previously connected to Alabama in public reports.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 238 pounds, Jack Sammarco fits the mold of the in-line tight end Alabama has been looking for. Unlike Josh Cuevas and Danny Lewis Jr., who are more suited to pass-catching roles, Sammarco helps fill the void left by Robbie Ouzts—a key but often overlooked contributor last season known for his blocking ability.
Though Sammarco only logged one reception for four yards last year at West Virginia, he appeared in all 13 games, gaining valuable experience. A Cincinnati, Ohio native, he was a 3-star recruit in the 2024 class. His entry into the Transfer Portal came just a week ago, and his recruitment by Alabama unfolded quickly and quietly, with no prior reports linking him to the Crimson Tide.
What about Brody Dalton?
Alabama would still have room to add Dalton should he decide to commit. With Sammarco on board, the Tide now carries six scholarship tight ends, though four are still in their first or second year.
While Sammarco has the potential to contribute this season, his long-term development is where his impact is expected to shine. Dalton, on the other hand, would bring immediate veteran presence for just one season and wouldn’t interfere with the growth of the younger players.
Kalen DeBoer isn’t chasing splashy additions this spring. He’s content with the current roster and focused on smart, strategic depth adds. Sammarco is exactly that—a quiet but solid acquisition who bolsters a position of need and improves Alabama’s depth chart moving forward.
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