Alabama Football Daily Insider Report: Post-Scrimmage Updated Depth Chart
By Ronald Evans
Trevon Diggs started at cornerback at the Saturday scrimmage. Reports are that he did well in the new position after only a few days of practice. Saban complimented his play and it appears Diggs will be staying on the defensive side of the ball.
Cornerbacks – Anthony Averett and Minkah Fitzpatrick or Trevon Diggs
Shyheim Carter and Levi Wallace are the logical backup choices given past playing time. True freshman Daniel Wright, expected to be a safety has been practicing at cornerback. If the highly recruited redshirt freshman Nigel Knott has fully recovered from injury, he might earn a backup role.
Safety – Ronnie Harrison and Minkah Fitzpatrick or Hootie Jones
Pairing Minkah and Ronnie Harrison is very attractive because it returns Fitzpatrick to his defensive play-calling role. The second unit safeties have many contenders. Deionte Thompson has the most experience.
Star and Money – Tony Brown and Hootie Jones
The fifth defensive back will be Tony Brown at the Star position. Money in the dime defense will likely be played by Jones or Ronnie Harrison. Harrison is the most physical player in the secondary and has played the position. In select situations, Dylan Moses might be a good choice to fill the Money (hybrid linebacker) role.
Punter – J.K. Scott
No mystery here.
Placekicker
We guess Joseph Bulovas will win the job, but if he exhibits any consistency problems, the kicker will be Andy Pappanastos.
Long Snapper
When a long snapper is given an Alabama football scholarship as a freshman, he will start – Thomas Fletcher.
Punt Return
Trevon Diggs or Xavien Marks. One of the less used running backs could earn this job, as could speedster Henry Ruggs.
Kick Return
We expect along with Diggs and Marks, Chadarius Townsend will be an option. Henry Ruggs and one of the running backs could be an option. Knowledgeable insiders predict Townsend will be developed into a Kenyan Drake type role.
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The Daily Insider will refine, correct and update the Alabama football 2017 Depth Chart periodically until Nick Saban relents and releases the real depth chart. We’ll keep you posted through our morning reports. Stay in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter.