JUST IN: Alabama secures commitment from former Michigan State transfer offensive KEY lineman.

Alabama football bolstered their offensive line with a notable addition from the transfer portal this past Saturday. Geno VanDeMark, formerly with Michigan State as an interior offensive lineman, has committed to joining the Crimson Tide for the upcoming season.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 325 pounds, VanDeMark previously played under Alabama’s offensive line coach, Chris Kapilovic, during his time at Michigan State. He will bring two years of eligibility with him to Tuscaloosa.

This recruitment addresses a specific need identified by Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer before the spring transfer portal period commenced. DeBoer highlighted the offensive line as an area requiring reinforcement, stating, “Offensive line, we’re probably a guy short,” indicating a desire to meet both numerical requirements and performance standards.

Alabama had already secured a commitment from Kadyn Proctor, a familiar face returning to the team via the spring transfer portal. Proctor, who served as the starting left tackle for UA in the previous season, briefly transferred to Iowa before opting to rejoin the Crimson Tide.

During the spring transfer window, the interior offensive line experienced a setback when James Brockermeyer announced his commitment to TCU. Brockermeyer had been contending with Parker Brailsford, a transfer from Washington, for the center position.

Brailsford was notably absent from much of the spring football practices due to an unspecified issue, neither injury-related nor disciplinary. However, DeBoer confirmed on Wednesday, before participating in the Regions Tradition Celebrity Pro-Am golf event, that Brailsford would return to the team this fall.

“Without a doubt,” DeBoer affirmed regarding Brailsford’s return to uniform.

VanDeMark brings significant experience to a particularly youthful position group. Having started six games for the Spartans in the previous season, he could become a vital asset in providing depth for the Crimson Tide.

Hailing from New Jersey, VanDeMark was rated as a three-star prospect in the class of 2021 by the 247Sports composite. Within his class, he was ranked as the 29th interior offensive lineman by the service.

Although the spring transfer portal window concluded after May 1, players who remain in the portal still retain the opportunity to commit to new schools.