Cornerbacks – Anthony Averett and Trevon Diggs
The inexperienced Diggs was abused during the A-Day game. He will improve between spring and fall. Until he makes a marked improvement, Diggs will need over-the-top help from a safety on long passes.
Given past playing time, Levi Wallace is the logical backup at corner. Aaron Robinson appears to be the next best option. Hopefully, Robinson’s A-Day injury was not serious. True freshman Daniel Wright, expected to be a safety has also practiced at cornerback.
Safety – Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison or Hootie Jones
Minkah and Ronnie Harrison are a solid combo at safety. At safety, Fitzpatrick will continue his defensive play-calling role. Backup at safety will be provided by the experienced Jones. With Deionte Thompson’s potential legal problems, another backup is needed at safety.
Star and Money – Tony Brown and Ronnie Harrison
The fifth defensive back will be Tony Brown at the Star position. Brown’s backup at Star is likely to be Shyheim Carter. 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.
Purposely not included at any specific position, freshman Kyriq McDonald was impressive in the A-Day game. McDonald was a consensus 3-Star recruit who played cornerback and safety in high school. He struggled with injuries his senior season but as a high school junior he was dynamic as a defender and kick returner.
It is too early to know which exact position, but expect McDonald to be part of the two-deep in Alabama’s 2017 secondary.