South Alabama is gearing up for a promising 2024 season, with a keen focus on newcomers Darius McKenzie and Courtney McBride, who are poised to make significant impacts following their impressive performances in their previous schools. McKenzie, a linebacker from Maine, notched 37 tackles and three tackles for loss in just five games last season before an injury cut his season short. McBride, transferring from Florida Atlantic, brings a solid track record of 57 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and five sacks over 29 games.
In the recent December/January transfer cycle, South Alabama added seven players: tight end Andrew Bench (Bowling Green), defensive tackle Bryston Dixon (Georgia Tech), kicker Laith Marjan (East Carolina), offensive lineman Malachi Preciado (Purdue), wide receiver Noah Toster (Chowan), linebacker Aakil Washington (Liberty), and safety Lardarius Webb Jr. (Oklahoma State). All seven players have integrated into the team, participating in spring practice after enrolling in January.
The Jaguars have also strengthened their squad with nine additional transfers, including defensive lineman Tre’Darius Brown (Texas Tech), running back Iverson Celestine (Tulane), tight end Rod Gibbs (Texas Southern), and offensive linemen Jayden Hobson (Mississippi State) and Ethan Hubbard (Duke). Notably, linebackers McKenzie and McBride stand out among these newcomers, bringing a mix of experience and potential that could prove pivotal for the Jaguars' defense.
South Alabama’s 2023 season ended on a high note with a 7-6 record and a win in the 68 Ventures Bowl. With the transfer additions, the Jaguars are set to open their 2024 season at home on August 31 against North Texas, with one scholarship still available for another potential transfer addition before the season kicks off.
Complete List of South Alabama Transfer Additions
Andrew Bench, TE (Bowling Green)
Bryston Dixon, DL (Georgia Tech)
Laith Marjan, K (East Carolina)
Malachi Preciado, OL (Purdue)
Noah Toster, WR (Chowan)
Aakil Washington, OLB (Liberty)
Lardarius Webb Jr., SAF (Oklahoma State)
Tre’Darius Brown, DL (Texas Tech)
Iverson Celestine, RB (Tulane)
Rod Gibbs, TE (Texas Southern)
Jayden Hobson, OL (Mississippi State)
Ethan Hubbard, OL (Duke)
Courtney McBride, OLB (Florida Atlantic)
Darius McKenzie, ILB (Maine)
Trent Singleton, SAF (Mississippi State)
Micah Woods, WR (Buffalo)
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