Secondary
No Alabama football position group requires as much rebuilding as the Crimson Tide secondary. Two potential NFL first-round selections must be replaced, along with two other starters. More than a couple of young or less experienced players need to rise to the opportunity quickly.
A Crimson Tide defensive back usually needs a couple of years in the system to learn techniques and schemes. Among the three defensive backs in the 2020 class, Brian Branch achieved the highest recognition. He is a summer enrollee. The sole new Tide DBs this spring are Jahquez Robinson and JUCO transfer Ronald Williams.
First Unit in Bold
- Cornerback: Patrick Surtain II and Josh Jobe; Ronald Williams and Jaylen Armour-Davis
- Nickel Corner: Ronald Williams or Jaylen Armour Davis
- Safety: Jordan Battle and Daniel Wright or Demarcco Hellams
The list above is seven defensive backs. For depth, at least one more needs to step up and a best guess is it will be Brandon Turnage. Kristian Story cannot be ignored. As a summer enrollee, he will be well behind others in the secondary. He may also get a shot at quarterback, especially if one or more QBs decide to transfer after the spring.
What is the best description of the Alabama football defense, six months out from the 2020 season? Talented and young. No, make that very talented and very young.
Check back with Bama Hammer for a projected pre-spring, offensive depth chart. The first spring practice session is Mar. 13.