“It’s moving forward”: CJ Dippre anticipates a shift at tight end for Alabama football.

The Alabama Crimson Tide football team is once again setting the stage for another high-stakes season in the SEC, and with every new campaign, there are players who are poised to take on crucial roles that could define Alabama’s offense. One of the most intriguing positions to watch this season is at tight end, a spot that has seen a shift in dynamics in recent years.

CJ Dippre, a transfer tight end from Maryland, is quickly becoming a key figure in Alabama’s offensive plans for the 2025 season. Dippre’s arrival in Tuscaloosa has not only given the Crimson Tide a talented and experienced player to add to their roster but also signals a significant change in the way Alabama may utilize the tight end position moving forward.

In a program known for developing pro-level talent and producing dominant offensive units, the tight end position has often been overlooked in terms of the spotlight. However, with new offensive schemes and evolving strategies, Alabama football is beginning to lean into the position more than ever before, and CJ Dippre is at the center of that change. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for Alabama, what Dippre brings to the table, and how this shift at tight end could impact the team’s offensive dynamic.

1. CJ Dippre’s Journey to Alabama

Before coming to Alabama, CJ Dippre made his mark at the University of Maryland, where he proved himself to be a reliable and dynamic tight end. He played a significant role for the Terrapins and was known for his combination of size, speed, and athleticism. Over his time at Maryland, Dippre caught the attention of scouts and coaches, establishing himself as one of the top tight ends in the country.

Dippre’s strengths are his ability to block in the running game and his pass-catching ability in the short-to-intermediate range. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 250 pounds, he has the physicality to be a reliable asset in both the passing and running games. His combination of strength, quickness, and technical ability makes him a mismatch for defenders and a safety valve for quarterbacks.

When Nick Saban and the Alabama coaching staff came calling, it was an opportunity that Dippre could not pass up. Alabama’s prestigious program, rich history, and track record of developing NFL-caliber talent made it an ideal next step in his collegiate career. The Crimson Tide needed a player who could contribute immediately, and Dippre, with his experience and skill set, fit that need perfectly.

Since his arrival in Tuscaloosa, Dippre has quickly integrated himself into the team’s offensive schemes. During spring practices and team workouts, his talent has been on full display, and he’s made a strong case for being a key piece of Alabama’s offensive puzzle.

2. The Role of Tight End in Alabama’s Offense

Historically, Alabama has used the tight end position as a secondary option in their offense, relying more heavily on their running backs and wide receivers. Players like O.J. Howard and Irving Fryar have had successful careers at Alabama, but the tight end position hasn’t always been the focal point of the offense. However, this is starting to change.

Under Bill O’Brien, the former offensive coordinator, Alabama began to make greater use of the tight end in both the passing game and the run game. The trend of utilizing multiple tight ends, exploiting mismatches, and designing plays that cater to a versatile tight end has become more common in college football. Dippre’s arrival signals a further shift in this philosophy, as the team is moving forward in exploring new ways to get the most out of the position.

With Jahleel Billingsley‘s departure, and the program seeking a more consistent and reliable presence in the middle of the field, CJ Dippre brings an intriguing combination of size, agility, and experience that could elevate Alabama’s offense in new ways. This shift reflects the growing importance of the tight end in today’s game, both as a blocker in the run game and as a pass-catching option in short and intermediate routes.

A Dual-Role Player

One of the primary reasons the tight end position is becoming more prominent in Alabama’s system is its dual role. A good tight end is not just a safety net for a quarterback in the passing game, but also a crucial component of the run-blocking schemes. Dippre fits this role perfectly, with the ability to line up as a traditional tight end or flex out into the slot, providing versatility and creating mismatches against opposing defenses.

In the run game, Dippre’s ability to line up in a variety of positions—from on the line of scrimmage to in the slot or even outside—gives the offensive coordinator the flexibility to attack defenses in multiple ways. This versatility allows Alabama to run different types of plays that keep defenses guessing, whether it’s a power run, an outside zone, or a quick-hitting play-action pass.

In the passing game, Dippre’s size and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare. At 6’5″ and 250 pounds, he’s tough for linebackers to cover, and his agility allows him to separate from defensive backs in the open field. This combination makes him a potent weapon for Alabama’s offense in the middle of the field, which has often been an area where the team has been somewhat predictable in recent years.

3. CJ Dippre’s Impact on Alabama’s Offensive Strategy

The addition of CJ Dippre at tight end gives Alabama an exciting opportunity to diversify their offensive playbook. His potential impact can be seen in several key areas:

1. Expanding the Passing Game

With Bryce Young‘s departure, Alabama will be looking to establish a new identity at quarterback. Whether it’s Tyler Buchner, Jalen Milroe, or another quarterback under center, Dippre offers a reliable target in the short-to-intermediate passing game. The tight end position is often a quarterback’s best friend, especially for younger or less experienced signal-callers. Having a target like Dippre in the middle of the field can help alleviate some of the pressure on the quarterback to consistently find open wide receivers downfield.

Dippre’s size and hands make him a prime candidate for red-zone opportunities. Tight ends have become one of the most effective options in short-yardage passing situations, and Dippre will be an asset in this role. His ability to catch passes in tight spaces and make plays after the catch will give Alabama more scoring options near the goal line.

2. Boosting the Run Game

The tight end is also crucial in any team’s running game. In Alabama’s offense, Dippre will be called upon to contribute as a blocker in a system that prides itself on running the football effectively. The team will look to establish a strong rushing attack, utilizing their stable of talented running backs, including Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and potentially incoming recruits. Dippre’s blocking ability will be vital in ensuring that the running backs have lanes to run through.

Additionally, Dippre’s versatility in the running game will allow Alabama to operate different types of blocking schemes, including power runs, stretch plays, and screen passes, that can keep defenses on their toes. His blocking ability at the point of attack will also help open up space for Alabama’s offensive line to function effectively.

3. Flexibility and Mismatches

Another major benefit of Dippre’s skill set is his ability to line up in a variety of positions and create mismatches for opposing defenses. In modern football, offensive coordinators are always looking for ways to exploit mismatches, and a talented tight end like Dippre can do just that. If lined up in the slot, he’s a tough matchup for cornerbacks due to his size and strength. If lined up on the line, he can create problems for linebackers or safeties tasked with covering him.

With this flexibility, Alabama can use Dippre in motion, shifting him between different positions and formations to confuse the defense. His ability to line up on the same side as multiple wide receivers or even in two-tight-end sets gives Alabama the flexibility to run multiple offensive looks without substituting personnel.

4. What This Shift Means for Alabama Football

As Alabama moves forward into the 2025 season, the integration of a versatile, talented tight end like CJ Dippre into the offense signals an important shift. The program’s embrace of the tight end position as an offensive weapon reflects a broader trend in modern college football, where teams are increasingly relying on tight ends to provide both blocking support and a dynamic receiving threat.

For Alabama, this change could unlock a new dimension to their offense, helping the team to stay competitive with the rising tide of offensive innovation in the SEC. Dippre will undoubtedly play a key role in the team’s plans, and his presence on the field will affect the way opposing defenses prepare for Alabama.

As the team adjusts to life after Bryce Young and looks to build upon their already rich football tradition, having a player like CJ Dippre could be the X-factor the Crimson Tide needs to stay ahead of the competition. His ability to contribute in both the passing and running games, coupled with his versatility, makes him a critical piece in Alabama’s push for another national title.