Alabama football needed to replace Brian Branch and others at safety and they've done it by landing the top safety in the transfer portal, Jaylen Key from UAB.
Alabama has a habit of taking their pick of high school talent in recruiting and they can do the same in the transfer portal, especially when they have a particular need.
On Friday, former UAB safety Jaylen Key announced his commitment to the Tide, choosing Alabama over Florida State and Ole Miss.
Key told 247Sports that he picked Alabama because of how he fit the defensive scheme.
"I see myself coming in and being a key piece, fitting in with all the guys seamlessly," Key said.
Jaylen Key could fit perfectly as a Brian Branch replacement for Alabama
That's what Alabama is hoping for, especially because they have to replace most of the secondary from 2022 including second-round NFL Draft pick Brian Branch, third-round pick Jordan Battle and seventh-rounder DeMarcco Hellams, all safeties.
Hellams led the Tide in tackles but it was Branch who garnered All-American honors from ESPN and CBS.
Key may not have as high a ceiling as Branch but he brings an all-around skillset that could suit multiple positions across the secondary. He is a sure-tackler in the box while also holding his own in coverage. As a redshirt junior with UAB, he had 60 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound safety won't be handed a starting job of course. At worst, he can provide veteran depth for Alabama, which is lacking more in numbers than talent at the back of the defense. At best, he could be a strong counterbalance of experience alongside freshman phenom Caleb Downs.
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