It’s been a busy couple of months for Alabama football in the Kalen DeBoer era. A familiar complication is reintroduced next week. If DeBoer were to mention the transfer portal to his team at all this weekend, he would just let them know it opens on Tuesday.

Alabama had an exodus of talent after its season ended at the Rose Bowl to eventual champion Michigan. It continued a week later once Nick Saban retired on Jan. 10. Its notable losses included Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Isaiah Bond (Texas) and Kadyn Proctor (Iowa) — though the latter is expected to return to Tuscaloosa once the portal reopens. Overall, UA lost nearly 30 scholarship players and brought in eight others.

During his final news conference before UA’s spring game, DeBoer was asked about what his team could look to add and how his current roster is approaching this weekend and a hectic upcoming stretch.

“I would say the defensive backfield we’re probably a guy short or so,” DeBoer said. “Offensive line, we’re probably a guy short. Just from the numbers that you typically would see and also where we want to be. So not saying we’ll take a look and evaluate, and you never know. There might be some guys from our roster surprise us, as well. We’ve just gotta continue to be fluid, be ready to adjust and continue to keep our eyes open for what’s out there when that time comes.”

Alabama notably added Domani Jackson (USC) during the playoffs and Keon Sabb (Michigan) after a hectic coaching carousel saw Jim Harbaugh leave for the NFL. Along a returning Malachi Moore and a set of freshmen, they comprise UA’s secondary that’ll need to gel quickly.

Proctor addresses a glaring need at offensive tackle, yet there is room for veteran depth in the secondary, trenches and wide receiver room. The window for transfers starts on April 15 and runs through April 30. Players who enter in that timeframe will be eligible for their new schools this fall.

Alabama was active last spring to bolster its roster. Backup quarterback Tyler Buchner started a game and defensive backs Jaylen Key and Trey Amos provided options for Saban. DeBoer similarly will need to identify starting-caliber players this cycle. DeBoer and coaches will also need to make sure that current UA pieces feel compelled to stay in Tuscaloosa.

“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 and the hype and the celebration, all of that,” DeBoer said.

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