Alabama Football: Veteran Safeties key for return to dominance

Alabama football returns the best defensive player in college football, uber-talented linebacker Will Anderson. The linebacker corps remains the strength of the defensive unit.

However, the Crimson Tide secondary returns experience, especially at the safety position. Seniors Jordan Battle and Demarcco Hellams will guide the secondary.

Alabama Football requires experience for a championship run

Jordan Battle, an AP Third Team All-American, and All-SEC First Team returning is integral to the revamped secondary. Last season, the Florida native led the team in interceptions and returned two for touchdowns. He finished fourth on the Crimson Tide with 85 tackles. Draft pundits believed Battle would depart Tuscaloosa and head to the NFL. Deciding to return after the stinging loss in the national championship, Battle’s sage experience benefits the Crimson Tide.

During a spring practice media session, Battle remarked on why he returned to the Capstone,

"“I’m very excited to return. I’m planning to come back to get my degree in December and hopefully compete for another national championship this year as well.”"

As a versatile defender who can line up in the box or at free safety, he matches up well with tight ends or slot receivers and can provide a blitzing element from the secondary. According to PFF, Battle’s coverage skills rank second amongst former elite Alabama safeties.

Battle’s defensive backfield counterpart, DeMarcco Hellams, is a hellacious defender. After finishing third on the team in tackles with 87 and tied for interceptions with Battle, the hulking safety is primed for an even bigger senior season.

Here is a portion of Hellam’s Instagram post when he announced his return,

"“But when I chose to come to the University of Alabama, I had three goals — get my degree, be a leader for my teammates, and win multiple championships. I still need time to take care of all three, and I can only do so by staying one more year. I can’t leave now, knowing that I didn’t stay true to my goals."

Defensive Secondary Improvement is Paramount

Last season, the Crimson Tide finished 50th in pass defense, yielding 218 yards per game.  The secondary lost both starting cornerbacks in senior Josh Jobe and redshirt junior Jalyn Armour-Davis. Competition for the open slots will fall to talented corners, senior Kyhree Jackson, junior Eli Ricks, and sophomore “Kool-Aid” McKinstry.

Alabama football’s return to the summit of college football begins with both players providing remarkable seasons, and shoring up the back end of the defense.

Elite safety play spells success for Alabama football. Both safeties will grind in hopes of returning the CFP national championship trophy to Tuscaloosa.