Why Utah players feel Cameron Calhoun will 'elevate' Alabama football in 2025

Why Utah players feel Cameron Calhoun will ‘elevate’ Alabama football in 2025

Posted by author January 31, 2025 Football

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MOBILE, Ala. — Junior Talfuna knows exactly what Alabama football is getting in transfer cornerback Cameron Calhoun.

After spending a year with Calhoun at Utah, Talfuna, a former Utes defensive tackle, said one story explains the cornerback to a tee.

“He just be sitting in the locker room like after a lift like ‘Man, I’m ready to practice,’” Talfuna told the Tuscaloosa News at the 2025 Senior Bowl. “Bro, it’s like 9 a.m. We just got done with a lift. I want to go take a nap, and you’re talking about practicing?

“He’s always trying to get everyone amped up.”

On the field, Calhoun is a “baller,” one that made a significant impact on Utah after transferring to the Utes after one season with Michigan. Off the field, Calhoun is passionate with “a little goofiness,” Talfuna said.

Whether it’s on or off the field, both Talfuna and former Utah linebacker Karene Reid know Calhoun will make an impact in Tuscaloosa, joining Alabama in January with three seasons of eligibility remaining.

“Cam brings a lot of passion and energy both in the locker room and on the field,” Reid said. “He’s somebody that is going to be vocal and really elevate any locker room he walks into.”

What Cameron Calhoun brings to Alabama football on the field

Reid doesn’t have to explain what Calhoun does. One play, he said, will do the trick.

In Utah’s 38-21 win against Utah State Sept. 14, Calhoun recorded his only interception of the 2024 season, one he returned for 34 yards. But he made it count.

“He had an interception on the sideline, (showing) that he can run, catch up speed, elevate and high point the ball,” Reid said. “Fans got a lot to be excited about.”

In 11 games for the Utes, Calhoun, standing at 6-foot, 177 pounds, had 21 tackles, one tackle-for-loss and one sack. He had nine pass break ups — fourth best in the Big 12 — in less than 400 snaps per Pro Football Focus.

“He’s a silent assassin,” Tafuna said. “But he makes plays. His passion is so great. You watch his film, man… he dropped a couple of them. But this year, he’s going to develop. He’ll catch those…. You watch his film. Frick, bro, it’s crazy to see him do that.

“You’re just playing catch with the quarterback.”

What Cameron Calhoun brings to Alabama football off the field

To Reid, Calhoun was a “great guy” in the Utah locker room.

“Very outspoken,” Reid said. “Just great energy, a lot of charisma. Just the kind of guy you want to be around.”

Calhoun was a four-star cornerback out of Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, the same program that produced 2025 Alabama linebacker signee Justin Hill. He first committed to Michigan where he first connected with now Alabama general manager Courtney Morgan.

Calhoun spent one season at Utah before transferring to the Crimson Tide, one of three transfer additions on the defense along with linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (Colorado) and defensive lineman Kelby Collins (Florida).

With Alabama as Calhoun’s third stop, Reid expects an easy transition.

“I would think it’s not going to take him too long to pick up the scheme because he’s done it a few times,” Reid said. “So he’s going to be one of those guys you can put on the field right away.”

Both Talfuna and Reid see Calhoun eventually following in their footsteps, as players working to impress scouts ahead of the NFL draft.

To Talfuna, Calhoun’s process comes down to “becoming himself through God.”

To Reid, Calhoun just needs to stay healthy and do his thing.

“Playing in the SEC is only going to help,” Reid said. “If he can do his thing at that level, he’ll be here for sure.”

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.