Alabama has enjoyed success under head coach Nick Saban. After the legendary coach retired this week, many wondered how many players would look to leave the program. While there haven’t been too many yet, we are starting to see players decide to leave Tuscaloosa. Cornerback Dezz Ricks announced he has entered the portal.
BREAKING: Alabama CB Dezz Ricks plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6’1 190 CB was ranked as a Five-Star Recruit in the ‘23 Class (No. 2 CB)
Will have 4 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/g1rBf11bSk pic.twitter.com/2Yitwpim4L
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 13, 2024
Alabama Loses CB Dezz Ricks
Because of the coaching change, Crimson Tide players have 30 days to transfer. Ricks was a top-five cornerback in the 2023 class. As with many true freshmen, Ricks didn’t play a lot in 2023. He saw some special teams snaps, but given the depth the program had at its disposal, it wasn’t surprising that Ricks was left out. The potential is there, and there should be a lot of programs that look to snag the highly-rated cornerback.
Likely More To Come
This probably is just the beginning of the exodus from the program. We saw it with Texas A&M when they fired Jimbo Fisher, and Washington is also seeing many players change their minds after Kalen DeBoer left for Alabama. It is a normal part of a coaching change in college football, but that doesn’t stop fans from being concerned. The Crimson Tide fans have gotten used to being on top of the SEC, and it might take a year or two for the new coach to get his bearings.
DeBoer will have his work cut out for him, but he has shown that he can bring in talent of his own. This is a program to watch in the coming weeks as players make decisions on where to play in 2024.