Breaking: Alabama looses star to the transfer portal in a surprise departure

admin | April 24, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Alabama football has lost center James Brockermeyer to the transfer portal, as he exits as a graduate transfer.

James Brockermeyer was a four-star recruit from the 2021 recruiting class. In 2023, Brockermeyer appeared in every game for the Alabama football team as a backup center. He enters the transfer portal with a no contact tag, indicating that he already has a destination in mind.

Alabama center James Brockermeyer has entered the transfer portal, @mzenitz and I have learned for @247Sports.

Former four-star prospect who spent a lot of time working with the 1s in spring practice. https://t.co/xuMyEfsiIU pic.twitter.com/GpI9yFP37f

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) April 24, 2024

Brockermeyer and incoming transfer Parker Brailsford appeared to be competing for the starting center position, so the move is surprising. Brockermeyer appeared to be having a solid Spring Practice, spending a significant amount of time on the first-team offensive line. Brockermeyer delivered a strong performance in the A-Day Game, strengthening his position in the competition and increasing his value to programs in need of a center.

The move is both stunning and worrying, as Kalen DeBoer has stated that Parker Brailsford will return to the team, but there is still some ambiguity. Brockermeyer, Terrence Ferguson, and Seth McLaughlin have all transferred, while Darrian Dalcourt has reached the end of his eligibility year.

A variety of players will compete for the backup center position, including Roq Montgomery, who began cross-training after McLaughlin and Ferguson left in the autumn.

Could Alabama Football pursue a center in the transfer portal?

As it stands, Alabama’s football team will have one of, if not the greatest, offensive lines in the country for the 2024-25 season. The Tide may now seek to the transfer portal to add a center with some experience if Brailsford does not return or if he is injured. Whether or not the Tide add a center, they will have one of the greatest offensive lines in the country, and the center will benefit from playing alongside two of the country’s best guards.