Former Louisville WR Tyler Harrel transfers to Alabama Crimson Tide

Through his tweet on Friday, former Louisville wide receiver Tyrel Harrell announced his commitment to join the Alabama Crimson Tide. Harrell entered the transfer portal in early April and set foot on campus at Alabama, choosing Nick Saban’s side over Miami, Georgia, and many more.

In an interview with BamaOnLine, Harrell said that he could see a good collaboration with quarterback Bryce Young and that was one of the reasons why he chose the Crimson Tide. "I just feel like with his arm and his capability of throwing the ball, I feel like our chemistry would be fine with the speed I have and the capability I have as well,“ he said. “I feel like we could go a long way with it.”

Harrell is one of the fastest players in college football, with an elite speed of 4.2 mph. In 2021, he made 18 catches for 523 yards and six touchdowns for the Louisville Cardinals. Harrell also had an average speed of 29.06 yards per catch. According to 247Sports, Harrell is ranked No. 15 among wide receivers.

Impressive college career

Harrell was a three-star prospect who went to Columbus High School in Miami. He was also ranked 135th in the 2018 class. During his college career, Harrell managed to catch touchdown passes from 59 yards, 75 yards, and 92 yards.

His skill was also acknowledged by Louisville coach Scott Satterfield during his time with Louisville. Satterfield said that Harrell has shown much improvement while he's been coaching Louisville for three years. "You know, just in his work every single day, putting it in. It’s been tremendous," Satterfield said.

What to expect following Crimson Tide transfer

Harrell visited Bryant-Denny Stadium last weekend for Alabama's spring game. During his time there, he expressed his excitement about joining the Crimson Tide. "It was a good fanbase. I liked what was going on as far as the facilities, the football field, the apartments, and stuff like that. The academics, they're big on that as well. Everything was just great," he said.

With Harrell's addition to the team, he will help to make up for the team’s passing offense of 74 percent and 76 percent of its receiving yards from last season. With John Metchie III and Slade Bolden withdrawing from the team to enter the NFL draft, the addition of Harrell will help Sadan fill the vacancy in the wide receiver room.

Known for his speed, Harrell will help Saban and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien extend the field and beat the opposing defenses. Harrell is set to play alongside fellow teammates such as wide receiver Jermaine Burton, Ja’Corey Brooks, and Traeshon Holden. He will also play with offensive lineman Tyler Steen, cornerback Eli Ricks, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who just joined Alabama too.

Even though Alabama failed to gain victory in the national championship game last year, it is noted as the most preferable transfer destination for wide receivers. Jameson Williams was one of the players who played with Alabama for a year and managed to be a Biletnikoff Award finalist with 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns.