The reason for the necessity of Cameron Calhoun as the “known commodity” in the Alabama football transfer portal

Courtney Morgan, the general manager of Alabama football, is avoiding risks in the NCAA transfer portal.

Morgan requires athletes who have demonstrated their abilities. He stated that portal athletes are more costly than high school recruits. It is a more substantial investment. When it comes to portal additions, Alabama requires a “known commodity.”

A cornerback was required by Alabama. Jahlil Hurley (Kansas) and DeVonta Smith (Notre Dame) were lost to the portal, contributing to the Crimson Tide’s sparse numbers at the position. Morgan was fully aware of her destination.

Morgan, who served as the director of player personnel at Michigan in 2021, recalled Calhoun’s arrival from high school. Calhoun subsequently registered with the program in 2023. “So I remember Cam as a youngster, and (was) just watching his path.”

Cameron Calhoun, the second defensive transfer to Alabama, joined the team in conjunction with former Florida defensive end Kelby Collins. Calhoun proved to be an ideal match.

Calhoun played in 11 games in 2024, recording 21 tackles, nine pass break-ups (fourth-best in the Big 12), and an interception, after transferring to Utah after one season with the Wolverines.

Winton Woods High School football coach Chad Murphy had always anticipated that Calhoun, a Cincinnati native, would be what he was in 2024.

“I didn’t doubt this dude would be a big-time football player for a second,” Murphy asserted.

What Cameron Calhoun contributes to the football team at Alabama

Calhoun was required to advance through the ranks at Winton Woods.

Calhoun was a defensive back who played wide receiver as a sophomore. Two seniors, Tamarion Crumpley, who played cornerback and had just completed his redshirt junior season at Pittsburgh, and Caleb Tubbs, who signed with Miami (Ohio), were on Division I pathways.

Calhoun transitioned to cornerback, initially lining up alongside Jermaine Mathews Jr., who would subsequently represent Ohio State.

Murphy stated that Calhoun’s behavior became increasingly erratic thereafter.

In 2021, Calhoun led Winton Woods, the same program that produced Alabama 2025 linebacker Justin Hill, to a state title with nine interceptions, 61 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He also retired with a school-record 14 interceptions.

“He’s one of them guys, he’s almost like a Deion (Sanders),” Murphy asserted. “He would post on social media, ‘I’m going to get a pick tonight.'” Additionally, he would be granted the opportunity to select. I am referring to the semifinals.

“He’d almost speak things into existence.”

What is the reason for Alabama being Cameron Calhoun’s third collegiate football program?

Calhoun is not unfamiliar with the transfer portal.

He was admitted after participating in two games as a freshman at Michigan in 2023. He made one start for Utah in 2024, but he entered after playing 11 games.

Murphy characterizes Calhoun as a player who “is aware of his objectives.”

“He’s looked out for what’s best for him, you know what I mean?” Murphy stated. “In recent times, there are individuals who consider that to be a negative aspect.” However, the individual was aware of his objectives. He is aware of his capabilities and has the self-assurance to accomplish them.

Murphy recalled Calhoun as a player who was willing to put in the extra effort. He drove to the Winton Woods football field and observed the cornerback grinding out repetitions, demonstrating his urgency to achieve his full potential.

Murphy stated, “The child aspires to be exceptional.” “He is apprehensive.” He is highly competitive. He is driven. He is simply eager to retrieve it. I occasionally felt as though he was in an almost excessive amount of haste to accomplish this.

Morgan was aware of the potential identity of Calhoun. However, he did not rely solely on his intuition.

Morgan stated that he was aware of the criticisms of Calhoun that former Michigan co-defensive coordinator and current Los Angeles Chargers defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale had made. He was aware of the comments made by Sharrieff Shah, the instructor of the Utah cornerbacks, regarding Calhoun.

“Both of those guys had the same thing to say about him,” according to Morgan. “And what you want to do in the portal when you do background is make sure the messaging is consistent.”

Alabama discovered the “known commodity” it required at cornerback in Calhoun.

A member of the USA TODAY Network, Colin Gay is responsible for the coverage of Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News. Contact him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @_ColinGay.