Alabama Football: Despite latest news Tide secondary will be fine

The most recent news about the Alabama football secondary concerns Crimson Tide fans. With a practice injury for Jordan Battle, the Crimson Tide now has three of its top six players in the secondary banged up.

The initial information on Battle was he had to be carted off the field. Later information indicated the injury was probably a less serious sprain. The Crimson Tide secondary was already depleted with a groin injury to Khyree Jackson and a back problem for Eli Ricks. Further concerns have resulted from reports that Ricks needs more time to learn Nick Saban’s complex defensive schemes. Talking about Ricks on Wednesday, Nick Saban said,

"He hasn’t been able to practice since the scrimmage. He’s got a little back problem. I don’t think it’s anything that’s going to keep him out for a long time. Until he gets out there on the field and he continues to make progress, I can’t really comment on that. I was not disappointed in the way he played in the scrimmage. I think there’s a lot of competition at that position, and I can’t tell you who would be the starting corners at this point."

The best thing about the current obstacles is their projected duration. Jackson may be back to full speed soon. Ricks can make needed progress learning the system in weeks rather than months. Jordan Battle might be hampered enough to miss the opener, but would likely be ready for the Texas game.

In the interim, Malachi Moore or Brian Branch can pair with DeMarcco Hellams at safety. Kristian Story is more than a solid backup at the position.

At cornerback, the recent buzz is about the progress made by Terrion Arnold. Arnold might be the best athlete among an athletically talented cornerback group. As a recruit, Arnold was said to have 4.4 speed and a 40-inch vertical leap. He is probably faster now.

Given Nick Saban has singled Arnold out for having a strong fall camp, the first-unit status he earned for scrimmage No. 1 might get locked down in Saturday’s scrimmage No. 2.

In that case, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Khyree Jackson would battle it out for the other starting corner role. Even without Jordan Battle for a game, the Crimson Tide dime secondary would be loaded when staffed by McKinstry, Arnold, Jackson, Branch, Moore and Hellams. So loaded, that in fact, a sidelined All-American would still leave the Crimson Tide with the best secondary in college football.

Alabama Football Secondary has plenty of help

Another reason why an unsettled secondary is no reason to panic is the Crimson Tide pass rush. Led by Will Anderson, quarterback pressure will come quickly and often. Opposing quarterbacks will not often get enough time to pick out a second or third receiver.

Some Alabama football fans look back to the National Championship game and doubt McKinstry and Jackson. They will both be better this season – much better.