Texas Football: Predicting UT's next portal commit after Isaiah Bond
Amari Niblack, TE
Among the most recent notable portal entrants that the Longhorns could target at a position of need is former Alabama sophomore tight end Amari Niblack.
It was reported by On3's Hayes Fawcett on Jan. 14 that Niblack plans to enter the transfer portal.
BREAKING: Alabama TE Amari Niblack plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 14, 2024
The 6’5 240 TE was ranked as a 5-Star Recruit in the ‘22 Class (No. 1 TE) per On3
Totaled 20 receptions for 327 yards & 4 TDs in 2023.
Will have 2 years of eligibility remaining… pic.twitter.com/QGUfuVEqrr
So, we essentially won't know the top schools that are targeting Niblack until he officially enters the transfer portal.
But what we do know is that Niblack is a proven and potent talent at a specific position of need for special teams coordinator/tight ends coach Jeff Banks and the Longhorns this offseason. Texas could use a big-time receiving threat at tight end to replace what they're losing in All-Big 12 junior Ja'Tavion Sanders.
Texas doesn't have a clear option to replace Sanders as the top receiving tight end threat for the upcoming season. Rising senior Gunnar Helm is a reliable blocking tight end and a capable receiver. But he doesn't threaten opposing defenses from the tight end position nearly the same way that Sanders did.
However, if Texas were able to get a receiving tight end threat such as the 6-foot-4 and 235-pound Niblack in the mix this year, that would immediately fill the gap left by Sanders in this spot.
Niblack has the physical tools that come to mind when you think of an NFL receiving tight end. The large catch radius, yards after the catch ability, and strong hands are all attributes Niblack possesses.
During his sophomore campaign at Alabama, Niblack emerged as the Tide's top tight end target and a legitimate big-play threat. He ranked in the top three among Alabama pass catchers in targets (30), receptions (20), receiving yards (327), and receiving touchdowns (4) in 2023.
Few tight ends in the SEC were as explosive as Niblack last season. He led all SEC tight ends in yards per catch (16.4) in 2023.
From multiple perspectives, it makes sense that Banks and the Longhorns would target Niblack to be their next top receiving tight end to replace Sanders in 2024.
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