Alabama Tackle Withdraws From Transfer Portal, Returns To Team

The college football transfer portal opened on Dec. 4 and it's been a wild two weeks following the movement across the sport. 

The Crimson Tide hasn't been heavily affected by the transfer portal yet as they are competing in the College Football Playoffs. 

However, in a bizarre twist, Alabama redshirt freshman offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett has decided to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to Tuscaloosa, according to reporting from On3 Sports.

“Transferring is not in my best interest. I apologize for any and all inconveniences. I’m 100% locked in. ROLL TIDE!," said Pritchett to Hayes Fawcett.

The 6-foot-6, 312-pound tackle played in every game this past season for the Crimson Tide as a rotational left tackle and a core special teamer. 

He ultimately lost the starting left tackle job to true freshman Kadyn Proctor but Alabama will have another starting tackle position available next year for Pritchett to compete for given the likely departure of JC Latham for the NFL Draft in the spring.

Pritchett's return reverts Alabama to just five transfer portal departures thus-far. Alabama has lost quarterback Tyler Buchner, receivers Thaiu Jones-Bell and Ja'Corey Brooks and defensive lineman Isaiah Hastings and Anquin Barnes in the last two weeks.

Subsequently the Tide has been quiet as far as transfer portal additions as the coaching staff has been focusing on the recruiting trail before bowl preparations begin. There are a handful of transfer portal targets in Tuscaloosa this weekend, meaning it won't be long before Alabama adds more talent.