The age of the transfer portal has led to what many are calling ‘free agency’ in college football. That especially becomes the case when a coach leaves, but it’s a rarity to see players leaving their school for its biggest rival.

That’s what happened with former Alabama defensive back turned Auburn player, Antonio Kite.

Kite officially entered the transfer portal on Jan. 13, three days after Nick Saban retired. Four days later, Auburn announced that Kite had signed with the Tigers.

“[Kite] is my brother at the end of the day so I wish him the best and I hope he snaps on everybody but the last game on their and our schedule,” said Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore at SEC Media Days when asked about what it’s like seeing a player cross the lines of the rivalry.

 

When asked about Kite as a player, Moore was complimentary of the sophomore from Anniston.

“He’s definitely a very electrifying player when it comes to the things he’s done,” Moore said. “I’ve seen at practice, it’s so crazy to think that he just started playing football a couple years ago.”

Auburn cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff had similar praise for Kite when talking about him in March but mentioned the challenges of transitioning to a new program.

 

“The thing you have to remember as a coach, when you have a guy that changes locations, call it change jobs. Their whole world is turned upside down,” McGriff said. “He’s shown a lot of bright spots with his skill set and talent. Very, very knowledgeable. I’m excited to see him put it all together and take off, but I’m certain he’ll be able to help us.”

Kite played in nine games over two season for Alabama, seven coming last year where he contributed mostly on special teams. He was a four-star recruit coming out of Anniston High School in the 2022 class, according to 247Sports.

“He’s extremely talented. Natural movement and cover skills for a corner,” Auburn co-defensive coordinator DJ Durkin said about Kite in March. “I see so much in him that maybe he doesn’t always show outwardly that he sees in himself. He has a chance to be a really good player for us. He’ll help us.”

Kite is one of three defensive back transfers coming to Auburn this season, joining Texas transfer Jerrin Thompson and Colorado transfer Jahquez Robinson, another former Alabama player. They join a number of highly rated young players in Auburn secondary, replacing key players such as DJ James, Nehemiah Pritchett, Jaylin Simpson, Zion Puckett and Donovan Kaufman.