Alabama held its annual press conference for draft eligibles who choose to forgo seasons of eligibility in favor of the NFL Draft, and it went about as expected.
Four Alabama underclassmen just officially declared for the NFL draft — cornerback Patrick Surtain, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, defensive tackle Christian Barmore and quarterback Mac Jones
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 14, 2021
It’s kind of a shame that guys who decided to return for a fourth season such as Najee Harris, Alex Leatherwood and DeVonta Smith will never get that opportunity to stand at the podium and thank everyone who helped them achieve their dreams, but that would be a long press conference. All of these men will be missed, but all will likely go in the first round and thus made good decisions.
Of course, there are several seniors and redshirt juniors who still have decisions to make thanks to the free year provided by COVID-19. Thus far, we know that Deonte Brown is gone.
We are excited to announce that Deonte Brown has joined our FAMILY!
— YM APAA Sports (@YMAPAAsports) January 14, 2021
6-foot-4, 350-pound MONSTER! Deonte Brown did not allow a single sack across 4 seasons at @AlabamaFTBL
He’s an absolute CERTIFIED people mover.#YMAPAA #RollTide #NFL pic.twitter.com/fAMdDYfzXo
Congratulations, Cornbread. Go get paid. Landon Dickerson never said anything officially, but he did speak with the guys on WJOX today and this seems to confirm his departure.
So much to discuss with Landon Dickerson. We could have gone 3+ hours. Still great insight from the former @AlabamaFTBL center https://t.co/fNkgRnxeh6
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) January 14, 2021
As much as we would love to have him back, it would be foolish to play another year with his injury history.
We got some good news on the defensive line as Phil Mathis decided to return.
RELOAD THE CLIP 48 #RollTide pic.twitter.com/uiicNhdG5x
— Phidarian (Phil) Mathis (@PhidarianMathis) January 14, 2021
Josh Jobe and Christopher Allen are reportedly leaning toward returning as well, along with Brian Robinson. We have no official word yet on Dylan Moses, LaBryan Ray or Miller Forristall. Others who could conceivably return include Chris Owens, Ben Davis, Josh McMillon, Charlie Scott, Thomas Fletcher, and more.
On the coaching staff front, reports are that OL coach Kyle Flood and TE/ST coach Jeff Banks will be following Steve Sarkisian to Texas, both receiving a raise and promotion. There are rumors that Pete Golding is in the mix as well, but for now we wait and see.
We will keep you updated as we learn more.
Roll Tide.
UPDATE: Dylan Moses has decided to declare for the draft.
Moses on Instagram: “I’ve earned my degree and ended my senior year as a National Champion. For that I’m forever grateful.”
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) January 14, 2021
UPDATE 2: Mac Jones formally bids farewell.
— Mac Jones (@MacJones_10) January 14, 2021