Alabama Football: Is Eli Ricks the long-term answer at cornerback?

The secondary for Alabama football got shaken up a little against Mississippi State, one week after it was shredded by Tennessee in Knoxville.

The notable change was Eli Ricks, starting at cornerback for the first time this season. Ricks met the expectations of even the most optimistic Alabama fans, locking down Bulldog receivers all night.

He was in nearly perfect phase on every coverage snap, and he utilized his long arms and physical tools to virtually erase one side of the field. Eli Ricks allowed just one catch on 10 targets, and broke up four passes. Most of these deflections came on very athletic plays Ricks made to either get his hand on the ball or pry it away from a receiver. He also made two tackles in the game.

If Ricks can perform consistently at even close to this level, he can give the Alabama defense an added dimension. Kool-Aid McKinstry has been impactful as a cover corner on the other side of the field, and the two could make a stingy pair. McKinstry has recorded 23 tackles, a sack, and a team-high 11 pass break-ups this season.

Eli Ricks’ apparent emergence gives the Alabama secondary some flexibility. He replaces redshirt freshman Terrion Arnold, who has been solid in his own right, at corner. Arnold got beat a handful of times but generally played very well, especially considering his youth. When Tennessee threw for nearly 400 yards on the Alabama defense, Arnold was not the primary issue in the secondary. On the year, he has tallied 32 tackles, 4 pass break-ups, and an interception.

Terrion Arnold played safety in high school, and joined Alabama football as a 4-star recruit and the third best safety in the class of 2021. His experience at the position shows his versatility, and raises the possibility that he could move to safety against vertical passing teams that give free safety DeMarcco Hellams problems.

Arnold could also move into the lineup as a third cornerback for the Tide, allowing the defense to better defend slot receivers. Eli Ricks’ play at corner makes these options possible. At the very least, Arnold will be one of the most capable backup corners in the nation.

Eli Ricks has an enormous opportunity to follow up his impressive debut with an encore performance. Alabama football takes on LSU this week in a top-25 matchup with huge SEC West implications. It will also be a personal battle for Ricks, who returns to Death Valley to take on his former team for the first time. LSU boasts a gifted group of receivers in Malik Nabors, Kayshon Boutte, Brian Thomas, and Jaray Jenkins.

If Eli Ricks is up to the challenge, he could help Alabama football get a huge road win.