Alabama Football: Tide challenges to be known as ‘DBU’

Alabama football has achieved many honors in the Saban Era. After the 2018 NFL Draft, it may add ‘DBU’ to its items of acclaim.

For the past several years, LSU has boasted being college football’s ‘DBU,’ as in the top college football school for defensive backs. Alabama football has grown tired of that particular claim.

In fairness to the Bengal Tigers, if the measurement of defensive back prowess is NFL draft selections, LSU has a strong argument. Since 2007, LSU has had 17 defensive backs drafted, including six first-round picks. In the same period, Alabama football has also produced six first-round picks and a total of 14 DB’s having been drafted. The Crimson Tide was at a disadvantage with no draft picks (at any position) in 2008.

The 2018 NFL Draft may push the Tide over the top, if not in total defensive backs drafted, in first-round picks. Minkah Fitzpatrick will push the Alabama football total of first-rounders to seven. Ronnie Harrison may also go in the first round.

LSU has only a small chance of a 2018, DB first-rounder. The best chance for the Tigers is Donte Jackson, but he is projected to be selected in the second or third round.

Alabama football has already thrown down a gauntlet with a brag and fact statement.

Coach O will not take this well

Coach O will not be happy with the Tide’s boldness. On the heels of missing out on prized recruit, defensive back, Patrick Surtain Jr., the Cajun hulk will probably explode in some undecipherable growl.

The future portends even more erosion for LSU and Coach O, at least in terms of top defensive backs. Based on the rankings from 247Sports.com, of the Top 50 defensive backs in the 2018, signing class, LSU landed just one, safety Kelvin Joseph. Alabama football signed four of the Top 50: Surtain Jr.; Josh Jobe; Jalyn Armour-Davis and Eddie Williams. In addition, the Tide added the No. 1 JUCO DB in Saivion Smith.

The Bengal Tigers will likely continue to claim ‘LSU is DBU’ for at least one more season. The gauntlet having been thrown, Alabama football fans will scoff and enjoy the future capitulation of Coach O’s program.

Next: Replacing Six DB's is no small task in 2018

Five of those departing six DB’s could be drafted next month. Minkah, Ronnie Harrison and Anthony Averett will certainly be drafted. Tony Brown and Levi Wallace should also be selected in the later rounds. Hootie Jones’ MCL injury means his NFL chance may come as an undrafted free agent.