Alabama has their newest tight end in transfer Brody Dalton, a Fyffe native who began his collegiate career at UAB and Troy

In a strategic addition to their tight end room, the Alabama Crimson Tide have secured a commitment from Brody Dalton, a transfer with a compelling journey that winds from small-town Alabama to UAB, then to Troy, and now to Tuscaloosa. Dalton brings size, experience, and a gritty determination to a program that is in the midst of reloading talent across key offensive positions. His path is not just a story of athletic progression—it’s one of resilience, growth, and a persistent drive to prove himself at the highest level of college football.

From Fyffe to the SEC: Early Life and Background

Brody Dalton hails from Fyffe, Alabama, a town known for its small-school football dominance and blue-collar attitude. Fyffe High School built a powerhouse in Alabama’s 2A ranks during Dalton’s time, going 15-0 in 2016 and extending a 45-game win streak during his tenure. Even in high school, Dalton showed glimpses of versatility—lining up at tight end while also contributing as a kicker. He converted 54 of 62 extra-point attempts and nailed a field goal, showcasing early on that he had the tools to be more than a one-dimensional athlete.

Dalton’s high school tape didn’t draw immediate national attention, but his work ethic and raw physical attributes—standing 6-foot-5 and weighing in at around 250 pounds—earned him a spot at UAB, where he began his collegiate journey.

Developing at UAB: Learning the Collegiate Game

Dalton redshirted his first year at UAB in 2021, getting his feet under him and learning the pace and physical demands of the college game. In 2022, he saw action in 10 games and started four. Although his stat line wasn’t eye-popping—four catches for 63 yards—he laid the groundwork for what would become a steady progression. More importantly, he earned the trust of his coaches as a reliable blocker and team-first contributor.

The opportunity to transfer and get more involved in the passing game presented itself after the 2022 season, and Dalton jumped at the chance to move to Troy University, where he would eventually showcase the full range of his skills.

Troy and the Turning Point: Battling Adversity and Breaking Out

Dalton’s 2023 season at Troy didn’t start as planned. After sustaining injuries in an offseason car accident, he missed the first five games of the year. For many athletes, such a setback would derail a season. For Dalton, it became fuel.

He returned to the field for the final nine games, catching five passes for 88 yards—modest production, but impressive given the circumstances. The bigger story came in 2024, where he truly turned heads.

In the final season at Troy, Dalton started eight games and began to emerge as a legitimate offensive threat. He totaled 15 receptions for 188 yards and three touchdowns, with 11 of those catches and all three scores coming in the final five games of the season. His timing couldn’t have been better—just as he was preparing to hit the transfer portal, his value was peaking.

Scouts and coaches began to see what had long been apparent to those who watched him grind: Dalton could block, run routes, and make contested catches. He wasn’t flashy, but he was dependable—an asset for any offense, and especially attractive to Alabama, which had begun to see turnover at the tight end spot.

The Crimson Tide Connection: Why Alabama Made the Move

Alabama has been no stranger to elite tight ends, but the last few years have seen the position in flux due to departures, scheme shifts, and injuries. The 2025 season looms as one where the Tide need reliable, experienced targets—particularly in the red zone and short-yardage situations.

Dalton fits that mold perfectly. He offers a big frame, sure hands, and years of college experience. While he may not be a vertical seam-stretching tight end like some previous Alabama stars, his skill set allows him to fill multiple roles. He can line up on the line of scrimmage, in motion, or even flexed out in certain packages. As a blocker, he’s technically sound and physical. As a receiver, he’s reliable and brings a “safety valve” presence to the quarterback—something that can’t be overstated in tight SEC games.

New Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has shown a preference for versatile offensive weapons, and Dalton provides that utility. In DeBoer’s system, tight ends aren’t just blockers—they’re dynamic pieces used in mismatches. Dalton’s maturity, work ethic, and readiness make him a likely early contributor, even if not the statistical leader at the position.

On the Field: What to Expect from Dalton at Alabama

Dalton’s tape shows a player who thrives in underneath zones, executes sharp outs and stick routes, and doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s not going to blow past defenders with 4.4 speed, but he understands leverage, timing, and spacing. He boxes out defenders, wins at the catch point, and extends plays with his physicality.

He’s also extremely valuable in two-tight end sets. With Alabama expected to lean on power formations and play-action packages, Dalton will have ample opportunity to show his blocking chops while occasionally sneaking out for high-percentage targets over the middle.

And don’t overlook special teams—another area where Dalton’s size and effort could earn him reps early in the season, especially as he adjusts to SEC speed.

Intangibles: Leadership, Grit, and Drive

What separates Dalton from many players isn’t just his physical skill—it’s the intangibles. He’s been through adversity: overlooked out of high school, used sparingly early in his career, derailed by injury. But he’s continued to work. Coaches rave about his locker room presence, his film-study habits, and his coachability.

Those traits matter, especially in Alabama’s culture, which prioritizes preparation and buy-in. Dalton’s journey from small-town Alabama to the state’s flagship program is a narrative rooted in grit—and it’s one that’s likely to resonate with fans and teammates alike.

Big Picture: What Dalton’s Arrival Means for Alabama

Adding Brody Dalton gives Alabama something every elite program covets: depth with experience. While the tight end room features young talent, Dalton brings a level of polish and reliability that can anchor a position group during transitions.

He may not be the top receiving option in the offense, but he doesn’t need to be. His role will be situational—and critical. Expect to see him in third-down packages, red-zone alignments, and as a lead blocker on stretch plays and counters. He’ll be the type of player whose name isn’t always in headlines but whose impact is felt every game.

In short, Dalton fills a need that stats alone can’t quantify. He brings maturity, technique, and a team-first mentality. And in a program like Alabama, those qualities often make the difference between good and great.