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Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama staffer and former standout DB, voices concerns with players redshirting to transfer
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Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is not a fan of the recent trend involving players redshirting mid-season to enter the transfer portal.
The former Alabama standout defensive back and current Crimson Tide staffer sounded off in a couple of posts on social media. Clinton-Dix advised that college athletes need to embrace adversity and “develop good habits” instead of transferring over playing time.
Players are opting out to redshirt a year because they didn’t get playing time? What about creating good habits and working on your craft? Just quit. No more reps at practice no more routines? Just go into the portal rusty? Got it.
— Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (@haha_cd6) October 7, 2024
It’s not that it’s ruining college football but it’s hurting our youth who need these times to face adversity, develop good habits and character as young men so success carries over into the next chapter of life.
— Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (@haha_cd6) October 7, 2024
Clinton-Dix didn’t mention any player by name, but the timing of these posts shortly after Jehiem Oats announced his decision to enter the portal is an obvious connection.
Oats was a key rotational piece for Alabama in 2022 and 2023, but the lineman’s usage has dipped in 2024. Now, Oats will miss the rest of the 2024 season and play elsewhere in 2025, hoping for a larger role.
The Alabama DL is not the only player to go this route in recent weeks.
Former UNLV starting QB Matthew Sluka made headlines for announcing his decision to leave the then-undefeated Rebels midweek. Then, USC DL Bear Alexander pulled a similar move, leaving the Trojans to maintain a season of eligibility.
Moves like this were not a thing during Clinton-Dix’s college career, so it’s understandable why the former NFL standout is not a fan. However, it appears likely that players will continue utilizing this strategy as long as it’s allowed.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
