Former Alabama football coach, Nick Saban, shared his thoughts on the Crimson Tide's spring game and the team's activities in the transfer portal during a prayer breakfast in Irondale, Alabama.

Attending his first spring game since retiring, Saban expressed his encouragement and optimism about the current team's performance. "I was encouraged," Saban said. "I thought the team looked well-coached. They played hard. They played with a lot of discipline."

Saban acknowledged the importance of the team's development, particularly given the presence of several young players in key positions. He emphasized that their growth and progress will be crucial for the team's success in the upcoming football season.

Regarding the transfer portal, Saban noted that the team had maintained good continuity through the recent portal, and he expressed hope that additional pieces would be added to enhance the team's performance. The spring transfer portal for undergraduate football players closed on Tuesday, while the deadline for graduate football players was Wednesday. Some players continued to enter the portal on Thursday, with their paperwork being processed.

Alabama has experienced both departures and additions through the transfer portal. Four scholarship players, center James Brockermeyer, defensive lineman Khurtiss Perry, and safeties Tony Mitchell and Peyton Woodyard, elected to enter the portal. However, the team has also welcomed new players, including kicker Graham Nicholson and safety Kameron Howard, with the return of Kadyn Proctor.

Saban expressed his desire for the team to maintain its continuity while adding beneficial pieces through the portal. Alabama can still continue to bring in players who entered during the spring window.

In addition to discussing Alabama football, Saban also praised Kalen DeBoer, whose golfing with Saban at the Regions Tradition Pro-Am near Birmingham is upcoming. "I think he's done a really, really good job," Saban said of DeBoer. "He's a good person, he's a good man. I think he's got a good staff."

Saban's comments provide fans with insight into his perspective on the team's progress and transfer portal activity as Alabama continues preparations for the upcoming season.