Former UAB safety Jaylen Key chose to drive up the road instead of going home. Key, a Tallahassee, Fla. native, announced on social media that he will transfer to the University of Alabama instead of returning home to attend Florida State for his final season of college eligibility.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Key spent four seasons at UAB but was only a starter this past season. During his first three seasons, Key had 18 tackles, a pass deflection and a fumble recovery in 31 games. Most of his action came on special teams. This past season, Key played a key role in all 12 games, contributing 60 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections and two forced fumbles. He also had the first three interceptions of his career.
Key was one of the UAB defensive leaders during spring practice. He entered the transfer portal soon after spring practice ended. He is the lone projected UAB starter to enter the transfer portal.
Once in the portal, Key, a graduate transfer, was recruited by some of the top programs in the country. At one point, he cut his list to Alabama, Florida State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Oregon and Ohio State. And he then trimmed it to Alabama, Florida State and Ole Miss.
He becomes Alabama's fifth transfer portal addition this spring, joining Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner, Maryland tight end CJ Dippre, Georgia linebacker Trezmen Marshall and Louisiana cornerback Trey Amos.
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