Crimson Tide Bolsters Ranks with Big 12 Tight End Commitment
In a significant move to fortify their offensive arsenal, the University of Alabama football program has secured a commitment from Jack Sammarco, a talented tight end transferring from Big 12 Conference member, West Virginia University. The announcement, made late Wednesday evening, sent ripples of anticipation through the Crimson Tide faithful as the program continues to shape its roster for the upcoming seasons. Sammarco, a physically imposing athlete standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at a robust 260 pounds, brings a blend of size, athleticism, and experience to a position group that has faced recent headwinds due to injuries.
Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Sammarco spent the initial two years of his collegiate career with the Mountaineers. Though his statistical output in terms of receptions was modest, recording one catch for four yards in the 2024 season, his participation in all 13 games during that year speaks volumes about his reliability and the trust placed in him by the West Virginia coaching staff. This on-field experience in a Power Five conference is an invaluable asset that he now brings to Tuscaloosa. With three years of eligibility remaining, Sammarco has the potential to become a significant contributor to the Alabama offense for the foreseeable future.
Coming out of Anderson High School in Cincinnati, Sammarco was recognized as a three-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. His ranking placed him among the top 100 tight ends nationally and within the top 70 overall prospects in the state of Ohio, underscoring the potential that college programs saw in his abilities early on. During his high school recruitment, Sammarco garnered interest from a diverse range of programs, including offers from West Virginia, Akron, Army, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Montana State, Temple, Toledo, UConn, UMass, and Western Michigan. His ultimate decision to initially join West Virginia provided him with a platform to hone his skills at the highest level of college football, experience he will now leverage in the SEC.
The addition of Sammarco comes at a crucial time for the Alabama tight end room. During the spring practice period, the team encountered a series of unfortunate injuries that depleted the depth at the position. Both Josh Cuevas and Marshall Pritchett were sidelined early due to undisclosed injuries, while Danny Lewis Jr. was unable to participate in any spring activities as he continued his recovery from offseason surgery. This confluence of events left the Crimson Tide thin at a position that plays a vital role in both the running and passing aspects of modern offenses. Sammarco’s arrival provides immediate reinforcement and a much-needed experienced body to the group.
Looking ahead, the Alabama program is also set to welcome four-star tight end prospect Kaleb Edwards to the fold in the summer. Edwards, a highly touted recruit, will add further talent and competition to the tight end room. The combination of Sammarco’s immediate availability and collegiate experience alongside the anticipated arrival of a promising freshman like Edwards paints a picture of a significantly strengthened tight end unit as the team prepares for the rigors of the upcoming season.
The role of the tight end in contemporary football offenses is multifaceted and increasingly important. Beyond the traditional responsibilities of blocking in the running game and providing a short-to-intermediate receiving threat, modern tight ends are often asked to be versatile athletes capable of lining up in various formations, stretching the field vertically, and creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties. A strong and deep tight end group provides offensive coordinators with greater flexibility in play-calling and the ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.
Given the recent injury concerns within the Alabama tight end corps, the acquisition of a player with Sammarco’s physical attributes and prior Power Five experience is particularly valuable. His size and strength suggest he can contribute effectively as a blocker, an essential component of establishing a successful running game. Simultaneously, his frame and athleticism provide a target in the passing game, offering a reliable option for quarterbacks in crucial situations. As he integrates into the Alabama offensive scheme, his role could evolve based on his skill set and the team’s overall needs.
The transfer portal has become an increasingly significant avenue for college football programs to address immediate needs and enhance their rosters with experienced players. For athletes, the portal offers an opportunity to seek programs where they might find a better fit or increased playing time. Sammarco’s decision to enter the transfer portal and ultimately commit to Alabama underscores the program’s ability to attract talent from across the country, even during the spring transfer window. This quick and decisive action by the Alabama coaching staff highlights their proactiveness in addressing positional vulnerabilities.
While Sammarco’s statistics at West Virginia might not immediately jump off the page, it is important to consider the context of his role within their offensive system. Different programs utilize the tight end position in varying ways, and a player’s impact can extend beyond raw receiving numbers. His participation in every game last season suggests he was a consistent and dependable player for the Mountaineers, qualities that are highly valued by any coaching staff. As he transitions to the Alabama program, a new offensive scheme and coaching could unlock further potential in his game.
The Alabama Crimson Tide, under the guidance of their coaching staff, are consistently aiming to build a roster capable of competing at the highest level. The addition of Jack Sammarco is a testament to this ongoing commitment. By strategically utilizing the transfer portal, the program has addressed a pressing need with a player who possesses the requisite size, experience, and remaining eligibility to make a meaningful impact. As the team moves forward into the summer and prepares for the upcoming season, the presence of Sammarco in the tight end room provides a sense of stability and optimism for the offensive capabilities of the Crimson Tide. The blend of an experienced transfer and an incoming highly-rated freshman signals a bright future for the tight end position in Tuscaloosa.
