Last week, Nick Saban brought in an impressive group of talent during the early signing period. On Tuesday morning, he got his first transfer portal commitment from Maryland tight end CJ Dippre. The 6'5", 260-pound tight end from Maryland contributed with 30 catches for 314 yards and three touchdowns for the Terrapins last season. Dippre entered the transfer portal as soon as it opened and quickly narrowed his choices between Ohio State and Alabama, where he would ultimately decide to further his playing career for the Crimson Tide.
Experience at the tight end position was lacking with Cameron Latu accepting an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl, as well as Kendall Randolph using up his eligibility this season, leaving the Crimson Tide with a couple of inexperienced junior tight ends Robbie Ouzts and Miles Kitselman, as well as true freshman Amari Niblack, as the only returning tight ends that recorded a catch this season. Dippre will also be a junior in 2023 but has far more experience and production than anything else Alabama's tight end room has to offer. Alabama's entire roster of tight ends combined for 32 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns, with the departing Latu responsible for the bulk of the production, with 25 catches for 323 yards and all three of the touchdowns. Dippre produced 314 yards and three scores on 30 catches for Maryland this fall.
Alabama will also be bringing in four-star tight end Ty Lockwood from Independence High School in Tennessee, as first-year tight end coach Joe Cox helped flip Lockwood's original commitment from Ohio State earlier this fall. Tuesday morning was the second victory for coach Cox over the Buckeyes with the signing of CJ Dippre.
The Alabama run game should see an immediate impact from Dippre with his big frame and ability to help block, but will not lose anything in the pass game with his pass-catching ability and athleticism. While Dippre will not be guaranteed the starting job, he will most certainly see the field immediately, as Nick Saban doesn't dip into the portal unless it's someone he feels can contribute immediately.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
