Another Alabama football player has opted to explore the transfer portal.

Defensive back Jake Pope has reportedly entered, per On3. Pope would be the third defensive back to leave UA via the portal, and sixth overall considering those opting for the NFL. Pope appeared in 11 games this fall, mostly on special teams, after redshirting in 2022.

Popee was a four-star safety out of Buford (Georiga) High and would rotate on defensive late during blowouts. He did not record a tackle. As head coach Nick Saban has said in the past, Pope’s departure is another example of UA losing its future depth to the portal, leading to an interesting spring for the depth chart.

Pope chose UA over Georgia, Notre Dame and North Carolina while in high school. Other UA transfers have chosen Florida State (Earl Little Jr.), Ohio State (Seth McLaughlin) and Colorado (Anquin Barnes) among others.

Kristian Story (undecided) and Little Jr. are the defensive backs that, in addition to Pope, seemed in line to compete for my playing time next fall. Instead, all will be playing their football out of Tuscaloosa.

ALABAMA FOOTBALL PORTAL TRACKER

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