Alabama Football: Josh Jobe is the Tide’s X-factor on defense in 2020

Josh Jobe holds all the cards for Alabama football’s 2020 defense.

Alabama football always has a catalyst on defense. There’s that one player who plays a bigger role than expected and determines the team’s success or failure on the defensive side of the football. In 2019, two freshmen linebackers had to start with no experience. In 2018, Quinnen Williams had a breakout year that no one expected. In 2020, Josh Jobe will be that X-factor.

Jobe wasn’t a starter in the team’s base package, but he saw a significant amount of time in the secondary rotation. He uses his aggression on the outside, but he still has plenty of room to grow.

With Trevon Diggs now playing in the NFL, there is a major need for Jobe to fulfill his potential. He will be playing across from Patrick Surtain, one of the best cornerbacks in college football. With him locking down top receivers, quarterbacks will be hoping to take advantage of Jobe’s inexperience. With the Tide’s daunting 2020 schedule, the need for a great defense becomes even more vital.

However, these are simple tasks of a new starter for Alabama football. This happens all of the time. What makes Josh Jobe an X-factor for the Crimson Tide?

Alabama football’s need for another defensive star

The defense is losing players across the football field, but they lost both of their starting outside linebackers. Alabama football have a stable of linebackers to replace them, but it is safe to say that the pass rush off of the edge is not going to be as good as it was in 2019. If quarterbacks have more time to find open receivers, it will be even more important for Josh Jobe to lock down his side of the field.

Jobe is also a versatile defender. Nick Saban’s defensive game plan revolves around players who can play multiple positions in the secondary. This has been true for Eddie Jackson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Xavier McKinney in recent years. Jobe will likely start on the outside, but he might slide into the slot corner position for some plays. With McKinney now playing in the NFL, there needs to be another versatile defensive back on the team, and Jobe can fill in that slot.

For Alabama football to improve on defense in 2020, many players have to step up. Jobe won’t be the sole reason why the Crimson Tide succeed or fail next season, but he certainly plays a pivotal role for the team. All Tide fans will certainly be hoping that he grows into the next superstar on defense.