Alabama lands 2nd transfer from Texas A&M, adds OL Naquil Betrand

Alabama lands 2nd transfer from Texas A&M, adds OL Naquil Betrand

While Alabama football players played card games and fielded questions during Rose Bowl media day, the 2024 roster received another boost.

Naquil Betrand, a lineman from Texas A&M, announced his commitment on social media. Betrand is the second Aggie to transfer to the Crimson Tide, joining defensive lineman LT Overton. Betrand is listed at 6-foot-6, 340 pounds. He did not see the field as a freshman and has four years of eligibility remaining.

“I feel as if nobody develops players better than Bama,” Betrand said in his announcement post. He entered the portal on Dec. 20, following the departure of players from former coach Jimbo Fisher’s roster.

Betrand was a three-star prospect out of Northeast High in Philadelphia. He chose Texas A&M as a three-star prospect. 247Sports Composite rated Betrand as the No. 44 tackle in the class of 2022. He reportedly chose UA over Syracuse, where former A&M assistants have joined new head coach Fran Brown.

Alabama could lose two starters ahead of next fall, center Seth McLaughlin and right tackle JC Latham. Left tackle Kadyn Proctor and guards Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts are expected to return. The Tide has three incoming linemen in its class of 2024. Position coach Eric Wolford added five prospects a year ago, including Proctor.

Alabama picked up its second commitment of the week in Pasadena, Calif., ahead of the College Football Playoff. On Thursday, USC defensive back Domani Jackson visited an Alabama practice and later announced his decision.

The No. 4 Crimson Tide will play No. 1 Michigan in The Granddaddy of Them All on New Year’s Day at 4 p.m. CT.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].