Alabama gets relief for 2025 as recent transfer addition announces return to program over entering NFL Draft
Alabama football offensive lineman Parker Brailsford announced on Thursday that he intends to return to the Crimson Tide in 2025 instead of entering the NFL draft as an underclassman. Brailsford, a third-year sophomore with two more years of NCAA eligibility, was one of the standout players on Alabama's offensive line, serving as the starting center. […]
Alabama football offensive lineman Parker Brailsford announced on Thursday that he intends to return to the Crimson Tide in 2025 instead of entering the NFL draft as an underclassman.
Brailsford, a third-year sophomore with two more years of NCAA eligibility, was one of the standout players on Alabama's offensive line, serving as the starting center. He earned third-team All-Pac-12 honors during his time as the starting center at Washington in 2023 before transferring to Alabama to join new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Although he missed a significant portion of spring practice due to personal reasons, Brailsford returned to the team and took charge of the center position during fall camp. The 6-foot-2, 285-pound native of Mesa, Arizona, started every game for the Crimson Tide.
"Obviously, I'm focused on what's to come with Michigan and everything and I'm excited for that game and also I'll be coming back," Brailsford said on Thursday. "Just talked to my family, talked to my people that give me good advice on what they think and just talking to people around the building to see what they had to see. I think the overall consensus is I should come back."
He was recognized as one of Alabama's players of the week on three occasions, specifically in the games against Wisconsin, Georgia, and LSU. The Crimson Tide's offense benefited from his performance, averaging 182 rushing yards per game and allowing only 19 sacks throughout the season.
While the Crimson Tide expects to lose guard Tyler Booker to the NFL draft—where he is projected to be a first-round selection—Booker has yet to announce his future plans. Other starters on the offensive line, including guard Jaeden Roberts and tackles Kadyn Proctor and Elijah Pritchett, are all eligible to return.
Brailsford was regarded as one of the top centers in the draft despite a mediocre PFF grade. He's hoping to add 10-15 pounds to his 285-pound frame this offseason to help improve at the point of attack.
