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Alabama Makes Transfer Portal Addition After Losing No. 1 RB to Big Ten Program

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nicholas Simon | Last updated Jan 7, 2025 11:37 AM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide are still building out their roster for the 2025 season and added more skill position depth on Monday.

Former Louisiana running back Dre'lyn Washington has committed to Alabama, per Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports. The incoming redshirt senior will have one year of eligibility remaining upon his arrival to Tuscaloosa.

The Hemphill, TX, native was a three-star high school prospect in 2021 and signed with a Louisiana program being led by current Florida head coach Billy Napier. After redshirting as a true freshman, he'd get plenty of work as a backup ball carrier for the Ragin' Cajuns, compiling 229 career carries for 1,343 yards and nine touchdowns through the next three seasons in Lafayette.

Five of those scores came this past season as UL won 10 games and hosted the Sun Belt Championship Game.

Washington entered the transfer portal following the conclusion of Louisiana's season and was a target for both Alabama and West Virginia. He took an official visit to Tuscaloosa this past weekend and that was enough for him to commit to the Crimson Tide on Monday.

At 5-foot-9, 224 pounds, the veteran should serve as a change-of-pace backup option for a running back room that will once again be led by Jam Miller. Alabama suffered a huge transfer portal blow with Justice Haynes leaving for Michigan, so bringing in a similarly built back like Washington to fill the gap is a smart move for Kalen DeBoer's staff.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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