After all, Alabama football won’t be able to see Jahleel Billingsley in Week 2.
The former Crimson Tide tight end is in the midst of a six-game suspension, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian announced Saturday after the Longhorns’ win over Louisiana Monroe.
Sarkisian said it’s not because of anything that happened during Billingsley’s time in Texas, but at his previous stop, Alabama.
Billingsley was traded to Texas (1-0) in the offseason.
“It’s in the process of that (suspension),” Sarkisian said. “He has five more games left. We’re bringing him back for the Big 12 game.”
While Alabama (1-0) won’t be able to face its old tight end when the two teams meet at 11 a.m. Saturday in Austin, Texas, there will be another recent member of the Crimson Tide expected to be available to fill.
Receiver Agiye Hall.
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Hall, a sophomore, was reinstated from a suspension for the first game of the season. He had been serving an indefinite suspension after he was arrested in August on a criminal mischief charge.
“Agiye Hall is back with the team, which we’re excited to have,” Sarkisian said. “It’s great to have him back and for him to come with us and be a part of our show. Proud of the work he did to get back on his feet.”
Hall also transferred to Texas in the offseason.
Both drew the ire of Nick Saban at different times in 2021 before his transfer to Texas. Hall was suspended in the spring for violating team rules.
“Everyone has a responsibility and an obligation to uphold principles and values and do what they’re supposed to do,” Saban said, announcing Hall’s suspension in April. “Everyone is there to help them be more successful. doing that is always really helpful.”
Hall entered his name into the transfer portal soon after. During the 2021 season, Hall didn’t see much playing time, making 78 snaps in total, according to Pro Football Focus. After the Mississippi State game, Hall tweeted “Yeah no I’m quitting” before later deleting it. He was not in uniform before the Tennessee game.
Billingsley got off to a bumpy start last season. Asked if Billingsley had returned to the depth chart, Saban sent a stern message.
“That’s up to him,” Saban said in August 2021. “That’s not up to me. He knows what he is supposed to do in practice. He knows what he is supposed to do. This is not a democracy. do what they want to do. Not everyone can do what they feel like doing. You have to accept and do what you’re supposed to do to be part of the team and do the things you need to do in practice every day.”
Billingsley did not start the opening game against Miami, but went on to get fairly regular playing time. Billingsley finished the season with 17 receptions for 256 yards and three touchdowns.