CJ Dippre’s journey to becoming a pivotal figure in Alabama’s evolving offensive strategy underscores a significant shift in the utilization of the tight end position within the Crimson Tide’s football program. His transition from the University of Maryland to Alabama not only highlights his personal development but also reflects broader changes under new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Early Career and Transfer to Alabama
Born on April 29, 2003, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Dippre showcased versatility at Lakeland Junior/Senior High School, playing quarterback, tight end, and defensive end. His high school career was marked by impressive statistics, including 19 touchdown passes and 15 rushing touchdowns in his junior year. Rated as a three-star recruit, he committed to the University of Maryland, where he played two seasons. In his sophomore year, Dippre emerged as a reliable target, recording 30 receptions for 314 yards and three touchdowns. Seeking a more prominent role and greater challenges, he entered the transfer portal and chose Alabama over other notable programs.
Impact at Alabama
Upon joining Alabama in 2023, Dippre made an immediate impact, participating in all 14 games with 11 starts. He accumulated 187 yards on 11 catches, demonstrating his ability to adapt to a more competitive environment. His performance earned him a spot on the Mackey Award Watch List, recognizing the nation’s top tight ends.
The DeBoer Effect: A New Offensive Philosophy
The arrival of head coach Kalen DeBoer in 2024 marked a paradigm shift in Alabama’s offensive approach. Known for his dynamic and tight end-friendly schemes, DeBoer emphasized the critical role of tight ends in both the passing and running games. He stated, “It’s a critical piece of our offense. It always has been, going back 20-plus years. Having that guy that doesn’t just control the middle of the field, but can get vertical, stress you to the sidelines, so both a vertical and horizontal stretch.”
This philosophy was evident during DeBoer’s tenure at Washington, where tight end Jack Westover recorded 46 catches for 433 yards and four touchdowns, despite the presence of three future NFL Draft picks at wide receiver. Such utilization underscores DeBoer’s commitment to integrating tight ends as central components of his offense.
Dippre’s Role in the Evolving Offense
Under DeBoer’s guidance, Dippre’s role expanded significantly. In the 2024 season, he led Alabama’s deep tight end group, starting in 12 games and recording 19 receptions for 238 yards. His contributions were not limited to receiving; he also provided crucial blocks, aiding the team’s offensive production. His performance against Wisconsin, where he helped the Tide amass over 400 yards of offense, earned him recognition as an offensive (power) player of the week by the Alabama coaching staff.
Dippre expressed enthusiasm about his role, stating, “Historically, tight ends in [DeBoer’s] offense get the ball a lot. The room usually has two, three, four guys that play and a lot of balls thrown that way. So I’m really excited to see how I fit once we get moving in the season.”
The Tight End Room: Depth and Competition
The tight end position at Alabama boasts considerable depth. Alongside Dippre, players like senior Robbie Ouzts, redshirt sophomore Danny Lewis Jr., redshirt freshman Ty Lockwood, and Washington transfer Josh Cuevas contribute to a competitive environment. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan praised the group, noting their intelligence, size, athleticism, and good ball skills. He emphasized their importance in both the passing game and in critical short-yardage situations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Tight Ends at Alabama
The integration of Dippre into Alabama’s offense under DeBoer’s leadership signifies a broader transformation in the team’s strategic approach. The tight end position, once primarily valued for blocking, has evolved into a multifaceted role encompassing receiving, blocking, and creating mismatches against defenses.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Dippre’s enhanced role and performance have garnered attention. While some projections suggest he may become a free agent, his contributions at Alabama have undoubtedly elevated his profile and showcased his versatility.
