Alabama running back tweets he’s leaving team, will likely transfer

With two defensive coaches already fleeing for LSU and Auburn, running back Altee Tenpenny has now become the first player to leave the team.

Tenpenny, who has been with the Crimson Tide for two seasons, tweeted (then deleted) Sunday: “The past 2 years with the Crimson Tide has been a great experience! I wouldn’t trade it for anything! It’s time to start a new chapter!”

BamaOnline first reported Tenpenny’s departure, and also reported that Alabama tight end Malcolm Faciane has left the team. Alabama has not officially confirmed either player’s departure.

Tenpenny leaves Alabama with 48 career carries for 218 yards and is another departure from the Crimson Tide’s loaded running back corps. With T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry occupying the main running back roles, redshirt freshman Tyren Jones saw the most carries of any backup running back. Next season, Alabama has Henry and Jones returning, a healthy Kenyan Drake and incoming five-star recruits Damien Harris and Bo Scarborough in its stable.

While Alabama has been a hotbed for running back success, Tenpenny decided to seek another opportunity for more playing time. Tenpenny tweeted he is not done playing football, and will hope his move is similar to former Alabama running back Dee Hart who transferred to Colorado State and had a breakout season with 1,275 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.

He didn’t indicate where he might transfer, but he did retweet this tweet mentioning Oklahoma State:

I always thought @Boobie_Miles_22 was a good fit at okla state. I hope he realizes it and gets to stilly. #depthchart

— terry covey (@1Boxter986) January 18, 2015

Faciane had a similar problem and faced a logjam of his own at the tight end position. With O.J. Howard, Ty Flournoy-Smith and Brandon Greene returning and four-star tight end recruit Hale Hentges on his way into the program, finding the field would be even tougher for Faciane. After joining the team in 2011, Faciane has only four career receptions for 16 yards during his career at Alabama.

The specific rationale behind these players leaving is unknown, but lack of playing time with the diminishing prospect of getting on the field is the most logical reason.