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Alabama lands transfer pledge from former Michigan State offensive lineman
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Alabama continued its run of success in the transfer portal on Saturday with a verbal commitment from Michigan State offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark.
A 6-foot-5, 320-pound interior lineman, VanDeMark comes to Tuscaloosa after spending 3 seasons with the Spartans where he appeared in 18 games over his final 2 years. He started 6 times at right guard in 2023, and has played a select few snaps at center. He has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
BREAKING: Former Michigan State OL Geno VanDeMark has Committed to Alabama, he tells @on3sports
The 6’5 320 OL will have 2 years of eligibility remaining
Played in 18 games for the Spartanshttps://t.co/oylStFfur9 pic.twitter.com/eNS8tWG85K
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 11, 2024
VanDeMark started twice at right guard as a redshirt freshman during the 2022 season. He made starts in 6 games in 2023. In total, he has played more than 290 snaps as a pass-blocker in his career and has yet to allow a sack. In 2022, VanDeMark’s 90.9 pass blocking grade from PFF was the best among all Michigan State linemen.
He has some work to do paving the way in the run game, but he’ll add some reliable depth on the interior of the line. Alabama returns Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts at guard, but center is a bit less secure. James Brockermeyer entered the transfer portal following the spring. If Parker Brailsford is available, the former Washington starter should man the center spot. But Brailsford missed a large chunk of the spring for personal reasons.
VanDeMark looks like the kind of player who can add depth at any of the 3 interior spots.
Related reading: College football programs that made the most of the spring transfer portal window
He becomes the second transfer commitment in as many days for Kalen DeBoer, who scored a win in the secondary on Friday when former Penn State defensive back King Mack committed to the Crimson Tide. He’s also the fourth transfer addition on the offensive line, joining Brailsford, Naquil Betrand (Texas A&M), and Kadyn Proctor (Iowa).
Alabama’s interior already looked strong, assuming Brailsford’s availability. Proctor’s return fortifies the left tackle spot. Right tackle seems to be the only spot that is still up in the air entering into the summer months. Adding VanDeMark to the interior group adds another layer of security for DeBoer and quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
