Alabama transfer TE Amari Niblack commits to Texas

The Texas Longhorns are once again tapping into the talent pool at Tuscaloosa, securing the commitment of Amari Niblack, a skilled former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Niblack, a rising junior tight end, announced his commitment on Instagram during his visit to the Forty Acres on Thursday evening.

Following Ja’Tavion Sanders’ decision to enter the NFL Draft, Texas was in need of a dynamic tight end, and they found their match in the 6’4, 233-pound Amari Niblack. As the top tight end in the transfer portal and a former top-100 recruit from Lakewood (Fla.) High School, Niblack brings versatility to Steve Sarkisian’s offense, which thrived on exploiting tight end mismatches in 2023.

It’s anticipated that Niblack will assume the role of the primary tight end, while Gunnar Helm is expected to play a different yet significant role in the tight end position.

Texas continues to benefit from Nick Saban’s unexpected retirement, with Niblack now joining former teammates Isaiah Bond and Kendrick Blackshire in making the move from Tuscaloosa to Austin. This offseason, the Longhorns have prioritized quality over quantity in the transfer portal, and four out of their seven transfer additions rank in the top 25 of the 247 Transfer Ratings, with Niblack and Bond standing out as the top players in their respective positions.

Amari Niblack is a name that Texas fans should recognize. If you’re struggling to remember the significance of the name, let me refresh your memory. When I witnessed that play in real-time, I found myself questioning who that player was, how he managed to get so open, and how he effortlessly penetrated Texas’ secondary. At that time, I wasn’t familiar with Niblack’s playing style, but his impressive catch and touchdown run caught my attention. Little did I expect that my observations from that game would become relevant in this context.

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In the 2023 season, Niblack played in 14 games for Alabama, starting four, and recorded 20 receptions for 327 yards with an average of 16.35 yards per catch, scoring four touchdowns. Despite these limited numbers, one could argue that he was underutilized. Niblack stands at an imposing 6’4″ and 233 pounds, carrying his weight well with an athletic and muscular frame. When I watched him on the field, his movements and size initially deceived me, leading me to mistake him for a wide receiver. This gives you an idea of his athletic profile.

He fits the mold of a prototypical move/flex tight end, displaying smooth and easy movements with good acceleration for his size. Niblack’s basketball background is evident in how he attacks the ball in the air, showcasing the ability to snatch it away from his body with strong hands. He has the potential to stretch the seam for an offense and poses a threat on intermediate and deep routes.

As demonstrated in the game against Texas, Niblack can identify openings in the zone early in the play and presents himself as a target for the quarterback. His performance in that game also highlighted his capability to be a problem for the defense after making a catch. While he occasionally lines up attached to the line of scrimmage, his effectiveness as an in-line blocker remains somewhat unknown. This aspect will likely be explored during the spring period as Steve Sarkisian and Jeff Banks incorporate him into the team.

With Ja’Tavion Sanders moving on to the NFL, there was a need to find a replacement for his production in the 2024 season. While Niblack may not replicate Sanders’ achievements, he possesses the potential and skill set to be a significant asset in Sarkisian’s offense. The combination of Niblack and Gunnar Helm creates a formidable 1-2 punch at the tight end position, providing Texas with the means to continue attacking defenses aggressively and creatively in the upcoming year.