Alabama Earns Commitment from Transfer Portal Tight Ends: What Brody Dalton and Jack Sammarco Bring to the Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide continue to demonstrate why they remain at the pinnacle of college football—not just by recruiting top high school talent, but by navigating the transfer portal with the precision of a championship-caliber staff. Under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama has aggressively addressed roster needs with savvy portal acquisitions. Most recently, they landed two tight ends—Brody Dalton from Troy University and Jack Sammarco from West Virginia—each bringing unique skill sets and the potential to significantly influence Alabama’s offensive identity in 2025.

This article explores the players, the positional needs, strategic fit, what these additions signal about Alabama’s offensive future, and how the Crimson Tide tight end room is being reshaped.

Why the Tight End Position Was a Priority

In today’s college football landscape, tight ends are no longer just extra blockers—they’re pivotal weapons in both the run and pass games. For Alabama, the 2024 season saw the tight end room thin out due to player transfers and draft declarations. Amari Niblack, arguably Alabama’s most dynamic tight end, transferred to Texas, while reliable blocker Miles Kitselman exited for Tennessee. CJ Dippre, the Maryland transfer who had a strong year, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and was selected by the Miami Dolphins.

This exodus left Alabama with a gap not only in experience, but in versatility. Enter Brody Dalton and Jack Sammarco, two very different players who together form a complete package: one with SEC-sized experience and elite blocking chops, and another with long-term upside and positional flexibility.

Brody Dalton: SEC-Ready, Tough, and Reliable

Player Profile

• Height/Weight: 6’5”, 260 lbs
• Hometown: Fyffe, Alabama
• Previous School: Troy University
• Eligibility Remaining: 1 year

Brody Dalton is the quintessential Alabama-style tight end: physical, disciplined, and fundamentally sound. In 2024, he caught 15 passes for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns. While these stats don’t leap off the page, his tape tells the full story.

Dalton’s true value lies in his ability to do everything well. He’s a powerful run blocker who sets strong edges, a sure-handed receiver who didn’t drop a single pass on 18 targets, and a veteran who started 10 games for a Troy team that competed for the Sun Belt title.

Dalton’s commitment on April 24, 2025, was not just a homecoming—it was a power move for a player who’s ready to step into the SEC spotlight.

Scouting Report

• Strengths:
  • Veteran poise and maturity
  • Excellent inline blocking technique
  • Reliable hands
  • High football IQ
• Areas to Develop:
  • Route-running sharpness
  • Acceleration off the line
  • Yards after catch (YAC) ability

Why He Chose Alabama

Dalton reportedly had offers from North Carolina and Cal, but Alabama was the clear fit—not only because he’s from the state, but because the Crimson Tide could offer a legitimate chance to contribute on day one.

“I’ve always dreamed of wearing crimson,” Dalton said in a brief statement. “To do it at the highest level, where tight ends are asked to be complete players, is a blessing. I’m ready to work.”

Jack Sammarco: The Project With a High Ceiling

Player Profile

• Height/Weight: 6’4”, 235 lbs
• Hometown: Morgantown, West Virginia
• Previous School: West Virginia University
• Eligibility Remaining: 3 years

If Dalton is the plug-and-play veteran, Sammarco is the long-term investment. A former three-star recruit, Sammarco entered the portal looking for an opportunity to develop in a system that uses tight ends creatively. Alabama, under offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and head coach Kalen DeBoer, offers exactly that.

While Sammarco saw limited action with the Mountaineers, his athletic potential has drawn attention. He’s quicker than most tight ends, agile in space, and flashes elite ball skills in practice settings. With development, he could become a dangerous receiving threat in Alabama’s vertical scheme.

Scouting Report

• Strengths:
  • Natural pass catcher
  • Smooth route runner
  • Works well in space
  • 3 years of eligibility
• Areas to Develop:
  • Blocking technique and leverage
  • Strength at the point of attack
  • Reading defensive coverages

Coaches’ View

According to a source inside Alabama’s support staff: “Sammarco is raw but explosive. He’s got soft hands, and with our strength program, we believe he’ll develop into a matchup nightmare. He reminds us a little of a young Irv Smith Jr.”

A Room Redefined: 2025 Tight End Depth Chart Projection

With the additions of Dalton and Sammarco, Alabama’s tight end room is once again deep, dynamic, and balanced. Here’s how it might look come fall:

The System Fit: What DeBoer Wants From Tight Ends

Kalen DeBoer’s offensive system, developed over years at Fresno State, Indiana, and Washington, thrives on versatility. His offenses often deploy tight ends in motion, split wide, or used as H-backs. Under DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, tight ends are expected to be as comfortable catching wheel routes as they are sealing the edge.

This makes Dalton an immediate contributor in 12-personnel sets, while Sammarco could be featured in third-down packages or red zone formations. The flexibility they bring will allow Alabama to show multiple looks without needing to substitute, keeping defenses off balance.

Transfer Portal as a Talent Equalizer

The rise of the transfer portal has transformed roster management. No longer must programs wait for high school recruits to mature over 3–4 years—teams can plug holes instantly with seasoned players. Alabama, once dominant through high school recruiting alone, is now blending five-star freshmen with battle-tested transfers.

Dalton and Sammarco are examples of how the Crimson Tide have adapted. Rather than scrambling to fill the tight end depth chart with freshmen, Alabama secured one experienced, game-ready veteran and one high-ceiling project—both with something to prove and plenty to offer.

The Broader Implications

For Recruiting

Bringing in a local product like Dalton shows Alabama is still strong on in-state recruiting—even via the portal. And by developing Sammarco, Alabama shows it remains committed to player growth, not just instant production.

For the Offense

In 2025, Alabama will likely emphasize balance. With Jalen Milroe gone to the NFL, the next QB—whether Ty Simpson or a freshman—will need safety blankets and run support. Tight ends provide both.

Expect Alabama to run more play action, RPOs, and motion-heavy formations. Dalton can anchor the run game and block defensive ends one-on-one, while Sammarco stretches the seams and tests linebackers in coverage.

For the SEC

Alabama’s tight end strategy reflects a broader SEC trend: teams want 6’4”+ athletes who can do it all. Georgia has made this blueprint famous. Alabama is now right there with them again.

What Comes Next

Alabama’s portal activity might not be done. Sources indicate that the Tide are still monitoring several offensive line and wide receiver options. But with the tight end position solidified, DeBoer and staff can now shift focus toward refining offensive cohesion during summer workouts and preseason camp.

Look for Dalton to be a vocal leader from day one, while Sammarco quietly impresses in scrimmages. By midseason, it wouldn’t be surprising if both are integral to Alabama’s push for another SEC title.

Alabama’s success in the 2025 transfer portal won’t be measured solely by stars or hype—but by fit, need, and production. With Brody Dalton and Jack Sammarco, the Tide addressed immediate concerns and invested in long-term potential. It’s another win for a program that continues to evolve without losing its identity.

The tight end position is once again a strength in Tuscaloosa. And with these new additions, Alabama’s offense is shaping up to be one of the most balanced—and dangerous—in college football.