The 2017 Defense
There are two issues in the secondary; overall depth and the learning curve for Trevon Diggs. Alabama football has tremendous talent and experience in the secondary: Anthony Averett, Ronnie Harrison, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Tony Brown and Hootie Jones.
Absent injuries these five will get the job done. The problem is Minkah is not replaceable and the best backup for an injured Averett is Fitzpatrick. Depth is a big concern. Which leads to Diggs. Insiders are confident his superior athletic skills and competitive temperament will make him a great corner. No one knows how long that will take.
Recent observations of Isaiah Buggs, Raekwon Davis and Quinnen Williams indicate the defensive line will not be a weakness in 2017. All three could become major Tide stars. Buggs has already established a reputation for his work ethic.
All Alabama football fans are confident Da’Ron Payne and Da’Shawn Hand will have big seasons. LaBryan Ray and Phidarian Mathis may provide help as freshmen. Mathis shed some unneeded weight before enrolling this summer.
The pool of linebackers is as loaded as any Alabama football team ever. Even the three freshmen later enrollees, Cowan, Benton and Allen are already impressing insiders. A couple of people have suggested Cowan will be another Reuben Foster.