Ranking Alabama football's 2023 transfer portal additions: Nick Saban finds gem in Jaylen Key

Nick Saban and Alabama football chose quality over quantity in the college football transfer portal during the 2023 recruiting after UAB safety Jaylen Key's commitment this week was the Crimson Tide's fifth addition. The veteran defensive back is Alabama's third defender and second defensive back transfer, strengthening the nation's top-ranked signing class per 247Sports.

Ranking Alabama's five transfers ahead of the 2023 season by importance has more to do with positional needs than it does talent level. Saban plucked Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner last month following the conclusion of spring practice when it became clear neither Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson has separated themselves in the competition and another player was needed.

Strengthening the quarterback room is not something Saban has done this late in the process during his tenure in the portal era and immediately led to questions surrounding the Crimson Tide's title hopes.

50 bold SEC predictions coming out of spring practice ahead of the 2023 season

Here is a look at Alabama's five transfers this cycle and their projected role on this season's team.

Alabama 2023 depth chart projection: Two-deep

Cornerback was a position of need for the Crimson Tide's portal efforts this cycle considering they only had 12 scholarship defensive backs coming out of spring. Amos is not going to start of Kool-Aid McKinstry and it's unlikely he'll get reps over Terrion Arnold at the other cornerback spot, but he'll immediately challenge reserves Antonio Kite, Dezz Ricks and Jahlil Hurley and reps this fall. Amos, a former Billy Napier recruit and signee at Louisiana, started 10 games last fall and compiled 35 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and one blocked kick.

Alabama 2023 depth chart projection: Starter

Alabama was without last season's three starters for spring camp following an injury to Deontae Lawson and the departure of Henry To’o To’o and Jaylen Moody, so Marshall had a chance to work. Outside linebacker Chris Braswell spoke highly of Marshall in April, along with JUCO transfer Justin Jefferson, and said both were learning Alabama's scheme quickly. Marshall, a former four-star signee with Kirby Smart, played in 14 games last season for the Bulldogs as a reserve and recorded 19 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one pass break-up and one interception.

Midway through spring camp, Saban praised the work Marshall had done at the position and there's a reason he was a top target in January — Alabama's coaching staff knew he could be an instant gap-sealer. He'll be on the two-deep in August and likely will start alongside Lawson. Marshall has two years of eligibility remaining.

“Trez Marshall is doing a really good job,” Saban said, via BamaOnLine. “He adds some maturity there. The other guys are coming along. They’re all getting better. They’re competing well. We’re moving them around.

Alabama 2023 depth chart projection: Starter

Dippre hopes to assume the starting vacancy left by Cameron Latu at the tight end spot, but there's going to be an early rotation we presume that should include Robbie Ouzts, Danny Lewis and Amari Niblack. Alabama's tight ends were active during the spring game, hauling in 11 total receptions. Dippre's a field-stretcher of sorts and comes off a productive campaign with the Terrapins. He averaged 10.5 yards per reception and scored three touchdowns.

Alabama 2023 depth chart projection: Starter

Most expected Saban to slide Malachi Moore over to the safety spot following the exit of Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams to the NFL, but he just signed a player coming out of spring with 44 career appearances at the back end who's heading into his sixth collegiate season. How's that for an experienced center fielder? If he adjusts quickly during fall camp, Alabama could start Key and five-star freshman Caleb Downs at the safety spots and star Moore in the slot at Star, his more familiar position.

Safeties Kristian Story and DeVonta Smith have a say in Key's playing time and where he fits within Kevin Steele's defensive backfield. Key was one of the top players available coming out of the spring portal cycle and said he signed with the Crimson Tide because of the level of respect he had for Saban and Alabama's coaching staff. He's coming off his best season at UAB after finishing with 60 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and three interceptions.

Alabama 2023 depth chart projection: Starter

If Saban learned anything after A-Day and spring practice, it was that Alabama's quarterback situation remained unsettled. Buchner saw an opportunity in Tuscaloosa to play for one of the nation's elite and reunite with his former offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and the marriage happened quickly. That doesn't mean he automatically stiff-arms Milroe and Simpson for QB1 honors, but it's hard to imagine Alabama taking a signal caller this late in the 2023 cycle and that not being part of the plan.

Buchner, who did not play particularly well in Notre Dame's spring game in April, appeared set to back up Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman this season and was in danger to potentially losing second-team reps this fall to Kenny Minchey. Buchner accounted for five total touchdowns in Notre Dame's bowl win over South Carolina last season to cap his second campaign with the Irish. He has six touchdown passes in his career and brings dual threat ability to the Capstone. Buchner is Alabama's most important transfer, and if the Crimson Tide get to the SEC Championship Game in December, he is likely the most impactful.