Nick Saban shared the rationale in response to a question about Alabama's new junior college offensive tackle, Charles Baldwin, at the Tide's National Signing Day news conference in February.
Alabama, Saban said, only recruits junior college players that the coaching staff believes are talented enough to play immediately and help at a position of need.
Here is a rundown of how the Tide's recent junior college transfers aside from Baldwin have fared in Tuscaloosa (listed chronologically):
Defensive lineman Terrence Cody (2008)
Cody was a Unanimous All-American each of his two years with Alabama.
Offensive lineman James Carpenter (2009)
Carpenter was Alabama's starting left tackle each of his two years with the Tide.
He was first-team All-SEC as a senior in 2010.
Defensive back Dequan Menzie (2010)
Menzie started seven games as a junior in 2010 and was the starting cornerback opposite Dre Kirkpatrick as a senior.
He had 42 tackles, an interception and a team-high 11 pass breakups as a senior.
Defensive lineman/tight end Brandon Lewis (2010)
Lewis left Alabama in 2012 following his redshirt junior season.
After signing with the Tide as a defensive lineman, Lewis moved to tight end after redshirting in 2010.
He played in seven games as a reserve tight end in 2011 and didn't record any stats.
Defensive lineman Jesse Williams (2011)
Williams started each of his two years at Alabama.
He made 37 tackles as a senior in 2012.
Defensive lineman Quinton Dial (2011)
Dial was a valuable part of Alabama's defensive line rotation each of his two seasons with the Tide.
He had 22 tackles, five stops for a loss and 1 1/2 sacks as a senior in 2012 after posting 24 tackles, three stops for a loss and one sack in 2011.
Offensive lineman Aaron Douglas (2011)
Douglas passed away in May 2011 prior to his first season with Alabama.
Wide receiver Duron Carter (2011)
Carter never played a down for the Tide.
He left the team in 2012.
Defensive back Travell Dixon (2012)
Dixon left the program in August 2012 leading into what would have been his first season with Alabama.
Offensive lineman Leon Brown (2013)
Brown was Alabama's starting right guard as a senior in 2014.
He was a backup as a junior.
Defensive lineman Jarran Reed (2014)
Reed was second-team All-SEC as a senior last season after receiving All-SEC honorable mention recognition as a junior.
He made 55 tackles as a junior, the most by a Tide defensive lineman since 2007, before recording two more (57) as a senior.
Defensive lineman D.J. Pettway (2014)
Pettway began his college career at Alabama and returned after one season of junior college.
He contributed as a reserve the last two seasons.
He had 23 tackles and two sacks as a junior in 2014 and 18 tackles, five stops for a loss and two sacks last year.
Offensive lineman Dominick Jackson (2014)
Jackson was Alabama's starting right tackle as a senior last season and was named second-team All-SEC.
He was a backup as a junior.
Tight end Ty Flournoy-Smith (2014)
Flournoy-Smith was a reserve each of his two seasons with the Tide.
His career numbers: 13 games played, five catches, 66 yards, one touchdown.
Defensive lineman Jonathan Taylor (2015)
Taylor was dismissed from the team last March, not long after signing with Alabama.