Khurtiss Perry will enter the transfer portal, becoming the first Alabama football player on scholarship to make plans to leave Tuscaloosa through the spring window.

Perry’s representatives at A&P Sports Agency confirmed the news to AL.com. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports was the first to report the departure. Perry appeared in one game last season and redshirted his 2022 campaign.

“I guess anything I would say to them would be in regards to the date of the portal coming up. It would just be about us taking the next step and focusing on themselves and our team and getting better on Saturday and also enjoying everything that comes along with A-Day,” UA head coach Kalen DeBoer said when asked what his message to the team would be with the portal window open through April 30.

DeBoer had previously stated UA’s needs at offensive line and defensive back. The first was addressed through Kadyn Proctor’s return. Perry wasn’t heavily involved during the Tide’s spring scrimmage and, like the rest of the defense, had to adjust to defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.

A former four-star recruit from Pike Road, Perry starred his senior year of high school, rode highly-contested recruitment and ultimately chose the Tide. Previously, Clemson, Texas and Auburn were among the contenders for Perry’s commitment.

Perry bounced between edge rushing and interior defensive line play with the Patriots, recording 22 sacks and winning a state title. Perry was also named the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Class 5A Player of the Year. But the versatility didn’t translate as well with Nick Saban and co.

Perry is the 13th scholarship defensive player to enter the portal from last year’s Week 1 roster. UA’s defensive line room wasn’t hit too hard and will return Jehiem Oatis, Tim Smith, Tm Keenan III, James Smith, Hunter Osborne and Damon Payne Jr. UA also welcomed transfer LT Overton from Texas A&M.

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