Alabama Football: Crimson Tide’s five most important sophomores

Alabama Football Sophomore no. 1: Terrion Arnold

Redshirt sophomore cornerback Terrion Arnold will be one of the most important pieces on the 2023 Alabama defense, and he is my pick for the most important sophomore on the team.

The cornerback position opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry was a revolving door throughout 2022. With Eli Ricks departing for the NFL Draft, it will be a point of uncertainty once again.

Arnold got seven starts at the position as a redshirt freshman, and mostly played well in his opportunities. He showed lots of promise en route to being named to the Freshman All-SEC team. However, he had fleeting moments in which his youth and inexperience showed.

In 2023, Terrion Arnold will have a leg up on the competition at the starting cornerback spot. He will be expected to make a jump in his development and be relied upon in a full-time capacity. Opposite a cover corner as consistent as McKinstry, Arnold will be playing under a magnifying glass to start the season.

For several years now, Alabama has struggled to field two dependable corners. If Terrion Arnold can validate the potential he showed at times last season, it will take the Bama defense to new heights.