The Alabama Crimson Tide make an unusual late-season addition ahead of Week 2's matchup against SEC-rival Kentucky.
The Alabama Crimson Tide have made a late-season addition to their roster.
According to Bama247’s Mike Rodak, sophomore defensive lineman Josh Underwood, a transfer from UAB, is signing on with Alabama.
Underwood may be a familiar name to some, as he was the victim of a stabbing incident at the UAB facility involving former teammate Daniel Mincey.
The incident stemmed from a fight between Mincey and UAB defensive lineman JaSire Peterson. When Underwood attempted to break things up, he became caught in the altercation.
“In my mind, OK hey these guys are fighting, I need to try to break this up,” he said. “Not knowing when I went to grab my teammate to break up the fight, I see people standing around, waiting for someone to jump and make the first move and break it up.
“I jumped in, I went and grabbed my teammate, not knowing Mincey has a knife in his hand. When I went to grab my teammate, I felt something hit me in my hand. I thought it was just my hand smooshing between the door or wall or something.”
Both Underwood and Peterson were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and were able to continue their football careers.
Underwood's path to Alabama has been anything but conventional. He was a zero-star recruit coming out of Fultondale High School in Birmingham, and entered UAB as a walk-on. He did not play a snap as a true freshman.
A month after the incident, Underwood entered the transfer portal.
The timing of the signing is very interesting.
The Crimson Tide had a roster spot open after the season-ending ACL injury to DL Jeremiah Beaman.
Alabama has never been shy on taking low-profile recruits and turning them into every-down players. Players like Trae’shawn Brown, London Simmons and Lotzier Brooks are examples of players thriving in head coach Kalen DeBoer’s system.
The bigger question, however, is whether Underwood will be cleared to play in Alabama's Week 2 matchup against Kentucky.
Even if he is cleared, it's difficult to envision Underwood immediately stepping into a major role. Given his limited college experience, the Alabama transfer appears more likely to be a developmental addition who could provide depth along the defensive line.
