Alabama football: 2023 secondary class update

Alabama football will likely have a new look secondary next season, as it expects to lose a good portion of its current veteran unit. Fortunately, Coach Nick Saban and company are in the process of landing a historic defensive back class in the 2023 cycle. If a couple of the commits can contribute immediately, it would really soften the blow. If they are as good as advertised, it could even neutralize the losses.

Alabama football: Returning corners

Cornerback is one of the most important positions on a football team, and Alabama should have some returning stability at the position. While it’s unlikely, Bama could potentially even return every corner currently on the roster.

Kool-Aid McKinstry, a true sophomore that seems destined for a breakout season, is not draft eligible. LSU transfer Eli Ricks, a junior, and former JUCO transfer Khyree Jackson, a senior, are both draft eligible and could opt to go pro after impressive seasons. They also have the option, however, to return.

Redshirt freshman Terrion Arnold may push for a starting spot as soon as this year. Junior Jahquez Robinson will factor into the rotation if needed. Tre’Quon Fegans, Antonio Kite, and Earl Little Jr. are all true freshmen who aren’t expected to play much and may be redshirt options.

Alabama football: 2023 cornerback class

Alabama football has a commitment from the no. 2 cornerback in the class of 2023 in Jahlil Hurley, and hopes to add another. If it can manage to land the nation’s top corner, Cormani McClain, it will bring in two 5-star cornerbacks with NFL futures. Alabama is also pursuing Florida commit Sharif Denson and Texas commit Malik Muhammad.

These all seem to be long shots at the moment, so whether the Tide lands a second corner remains to be seen. How much next season’s freshmen cornerback class plays will depend on their preparedness, as well as who returns.

Alabama football: Crimson Tide at Safety in 2023

The safety position is where most of the turnover will happen. Senior safeties Jordan Battle and Demarcco Hellams are expected to depart for the NFL following the 2022 season. In that case, only redshirt sophomore Kristian Story, true sophomore Devonta Smith, and true freshman Jake Pope will still be on the roster.

Fortunately, Alabama football is set to bring in an incredible safety class. The Tide has commitments from the top two safeties in the nation, 5-stars Caleb Downs and Tony Mitchell. It also has a commitment from 3-star athlete Brayson Hubbard, who will play safety at Bama. The Alabama coaching staff continues to pursue safeties such as 4-star Makari Vickers and 3-star Bryce Thornton.

The freshmen safeties will have the opportunity to compete with, or beat out, Story, Smith, and Pope. Of course, Downs and Mitchell are expected to be the most college-ready of the group. Downs in particular is projected to be an immediate impact contributor, and is versatile enough to play all over the secondary.

At star, juniors Brian Branch and Malachi Moore are both draft eligible. I expect one of them (likely Branch as he started most of last season) to have a good year and leave for the draft. I don’t think there’s enough available snaps for both of them to go pro after 2022. Assuming Moore returns, he has the flexibility to play star or safety for Alabama.

Alabama football should be very talented in the secondary in 2023, but could potentially be very inexperienced. There are a lot of questions that won’t be answered until the conclusion of the 2022 season. The first priority is solidifying this 2023 recruiting class.

On paper, the defensive back class is already elite, led by 5-stars Downs, Mitchell, and Hurley. With guys like McClain and Vickers still on the board, it has potential to be unprecedented.