One of the most underrated position battles for Alabama in fall camp, and one that is largely being ignored with the focus on the QB competition, is in the defensive backfield at Husky.
Last season, the Husky position was manned for the majority of the season by DeVonta Smith and freshman Red Morgan. Smith transferred to Notre Dame following the season, and Morgan has now transitioned into the Crimson Tide's CB room.
Wake Forest transfer DaShawn Jones played more and more down the stretch of the season last year, and he exited spring practice as the leader in the clubhouse for the job. But he's facing stiff competition in spring from two players so far: Utah transfer Cam Calhoun and sophomore Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.
After practice on Saturday, Tide Defensive Coordinator Kane Wommack discussed the competition at Husky, what he's looking for in the eventual starter, and highlighted the performance of one specific player:
"Obviously, you got a couple of guys over there that are fighting and battling," Wommack said. "Now I think our depth in the secondary, which is a lot better than where it was a year ago, allows us to try a number of different guys out there."
Wommack spoke of how versatile the position is, and how many different hats the guy manning it is asked to wear.
"That guy's got to be able to fit the run, he's gotta be able to play man, he's gotta be able to play zone coverage, blitz off the edge, all that stuff," Wommack said.
It's a position that ideally a safety would play, based on all the responsibilities, particularly in defending the run. But a physical corner might be an even better fit as they are likely able to hold up in coverage. It's what makes Calhoun so intriguing.
Maurice Linguist and Jason Jones are working on cross-training Cam Calhoun
Alabama has four terrific options at CB this year. The depth in the defensive backfield is worlds better than it was a season ago. Along with returning starters Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown, Alabama added Calhoun in the Transfer Portal, and then signed 5-star CB Dijon Lee in the 2025 recruiting class. They are all deserving of playing time, and it always made sense to look at cross-training one of them to the slot.
Lee might be a more natural fit at the position with his size, but it's understandable that Alabama may want to avoid throwing too much at a true freshman.
According to Wommack, DB coach Maurice Linguist and assistant Jason Jones are working with Calhoun, moving him back and forth between corner and Husky.
"Mo and Jason Jones are kind of working him back and forth in both rooms so that he is available to play at corner and also at the nickel position. I like what I have seen from him so far," Wommack said.
Alabama should have one of the best secondaries in the country this season. There's talent and depth at corner and safety. Finding a difference-maker at nickel will be key to shoring up the defensive backfield. Jones is a steady, consistent presence. But if Calhoun, Kirkpatrick, or perhaps later even Lee, can be game-changers, they'll have the opportunity to jump Jones for the starting job.