Alabama Football: Pre-Spring Practice Depth Chart
By Ronald Evans
Secondary
Cornerbacks
Starters: Patrick Surtain II and Trevon Diggs
Backups: Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis
Reserves: Jeffery ‘Scooby’ Carter, Nigel Knott and Eddie Smith
The two starting corners have enough starts between them to be considered veterans. Both are extremely talented. Should one go down, Josh Jobe is the likely next man up. Senior Shyheim Carter could also play corner if needed. The rest of the group lacks experience.
Safeties
Starters: Xavier McKinney and Shyheim Carter
Backups: Jared Mayden and Daniel Wright
Reserves: Eddie Smith
Nickel and Dime Backs (Star and Money)
Starters: Jared Mayden and Daniel Wright
Backups: Eddie Smith
Since nickel is the primary defense used by Alabama football, Carter may actually continue as the ‘Star’ cornerback with Jared Mayden starting at safety. Daniel Wright is coming off both a suspension and an injury. His suspension is not expected to impact games next fall. If he is out of Nick Saban’s doghouse, he can earn a key role.
There is considerable talent in the freshman class. Jordan Battle, Demarcco Hellams, Marcus Banks and Brandon Turnage all enroll this summer. The first two will probably play safety and the second two are probable cornerbacks.
Special Teams
Jaylen Waddle will again be featured on punt returns. Trevon Diggs and one of the running backs will probably handle kickoff returns. Brian Robinson had the role last season but one of the younger running backs might step in for 2019.
Alabama football fans are anxiously anticipating improvement in punting and placekicking. True freshman Will Reichard might be the answer to both. Mike Bernier and Skyler DeLong will try to provide competent consistency as the punter. Reichard and Joseph Bulovas might share the placekicking with Bulovas handling kickoffs. It is almost guaranteed Reichard will take care of PATs.
Next. Updated roster weights are telling. dark
With all the evidence of Crimson Tide youth, there is still plenty of playing experience. Based on our first 2019 depth chart, 16 projected starters have previous starting experience.