Crimson Tide Bolsters Tight End Room with Mountaineer Transfer Jack Sammarco
In a strategic move to address a pressing need, the University of Alabama football program has secured a commitment from former West Virginia University tight end, Jack Sammarco. The announcement, made on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, marks the Crimson Tide’s first addition via the spring transfer portal window and provides crucial depth to a position group that has been significantly impacted by injuries this offseason. Sammarco, a towering 6-foot-6, 240-pound prospect with three years of eligibility remaining, brings immediate size and potential to the Alabama tight end room under the guidance of Head Coach Kalen DeBoer.
The timing of Sammarco’s arrival is particularly significant given the injury situation that plagued the Crimson Tide throughout spring practice. By the end of the spring camp, redshirt freshman Jay Lindsey was the lone scholarship tight end available, highlighting the critical need for reinforcements. While the program anticipates the return of key players such as redshirt senior Josh Cuevas, redshirt junior Danny Lewis Jr., and freshman Marshall Pritchett from injury by the fall, the addition of Sammarco provides a vital layer of security and competition. Furthermore, the Crimson Tide is also set to welcome four-star freshman tight end Kaleb Edwards to the fold over the summer, further emphasizing the program’s commitment to strengthening the position.
Beyond the immediate need created by injuries, the acquisition of Sammarco also aligns with Coach DeBoer’s philosophy of continuously seeking to improve the roster through strategic portal additions. Speaking earlier in April about the potential for spring transfers, DeBoer emphasized the importance of finding the right individuals who fit the program’s culture and can elevate the team’s overall quality. With limited scholarship spots available, the coaching staff is exercising diligence in identifying players who meet their specific criteria, both on and off the field. Sammarco, having appeared in all 13 games for the Mountaineers in the 2024 season, brings with him valuable game experience at the Power Five level. While his statistical output at West Virginia was modest, with one reception for four yards, his size and blocking ability are traits that could translate effectively to the Alabama offense.
The transfer portal has become an increasingly influential factor in college football roster management. Since its inception, it has empowered student-athletes with greater control over their careers, allowing them to seek opportunities for increased playing time, better program fits, or enhanced development. For programs like Alabama, the portal serves as a mechanism to address immediate needs, add experienced talent, and fine-tune their rosters on an annual basis. The Crimson Tide has been active in the transfer portal in recent cycles, both in terms of players departing and arriving, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern college football. This spring window, which opened on April 16, provides another opportunity for teams across the nation to make strategic additions as they finalize their rosters for the upcoming 2025 season.
For West Virginia, the departure of Sammarco represents one of several outgoing transfers as Head Coach Neal Brown navigates the ever-evolving landscape of roster construction. The Mountaineers have also been active in the transfer portal, both in welcoming new players to Morgantown and seeing others depart for opportunities elsewhere. This constant flux is a hallmark of the transfer portal era, requiring coaching staffs to be adaptable and proactive in their roster management strategies.
The addition of Jack Sammarco to the Alabama tight end room provides a blend of immediate depth and long-term potential. His physical attributes and Power Five experience address a clear area of need for the Crimson Tide as they prepare for the 2025 season. While the return of injured players and the arrival of a highly touted freshman will further bolster the position, Sammarco’s presence adds a valuable dimension of competition and security. As Coach DeBoer continues to shape the Alabama program, strategic transfer portal acquisitions like this one will undoubtedly play a crucial role in maintaining the Crimson Tide’s competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference and on the national stage. The ability to identify and secure players who fit the program’s needs and culture through the transfer portal is a vital component of success in contemporary college football, and Alabama’s swift action in adding Sammarco underscores their understanding of this evolving landscape.
