Alabama Football: 5 Reasons Alabama May Not Win the 2018 Championship
By Ronald Moody
3. Inexperience in Secondary
The Crimson Tide lost their starting defensive backfield and significant contributors, star Tony Brown and money Hootie Jones. To further illustrate how important they were to the defense, five defensive backs received invitations to the NFL combine.
Deionte Thompson received substantial playing time in the two playoff games after Hootie injured himself in the season finale against Auburn. He should man one of the top open safety spots. Xavier Mckinney figures to play opposite Thompson.
Junior college transfer Saivion Smith and junior Trevon Diggs figure to start the season off at both cornerback spots. Diggs appeared comfortable in the spring contest with racking up nine tackles and an interception. Former LSU signee Smith was an elite cover corner at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The junior was the top rated JUCO defensive back in the 2018 class.
Talented freshmen Patrick Surtain Jr, Josh Jobe, Eddie Smith, Jalyn Armour-Davis, and Shane Bolden will challenge immediately for playing time. Junior Shyheim Carter will play the coveted star position. The six-foot corner played a significant amount in the national championship game and had a good A day with six tackles, and one pass defended.
Although the defensive backs are incredibly talented, they return one player with only two starts. Expect a steep learning curve.