Alabama secondary facing solid test to open 2024 season

Alabama’s young secondary has been one of the biggest question marks throughout this offseason. Heading into 2024, the projected starting lineup includes two transfers, a true freshman, and two returnees that are adjusting to new positions. How will this group gel on the back end of the Alabama defense? Only time will tell. 

Its opening test against Western Kentucky certainly won’t be the biggest challenge the Tide’s 2024 schedule has to offer, but the Hilltoppers are no slouch offensively. 

There is some disagreement about WKU quarterback TJ Finley and his true ability as a passer. Bama fans watched Finley really struggle against SEC competition for multiple seasons playing for LSU and Auburn, but he had a record-setting season at Texas State last year. Finley still has to prove he can play with the big boys, but his receiving corps should be a high-quality group in 2024. 

Dalvin Smith and Easton Messer both return after posting respectable numbers last season. Smith is a big-bodied perimeter weapon at 6’3”, while Messer is a smaller receiver who works out of the slot.

Michael Mathison is another reliable option in the slot. Mathison made 50+ catches in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons before missing last year due to injury. Tight end River Helms provides WKU with another intermediate possession option after making three touchdown grabs a year ago.

Transfer receivers Koy Moore (Auburn) and Kisean Johnson (Alabama State) give the Hilltopper offense an extra edge of explosiveness and big-play potential. 

This is a well-rounded group of pass-catchers that will stress different aspects of the Alabama secondary. Players like Johnson on the perimeter and Messer in the slot will challenge the one-on-one coverage ability of Bama’s defensive backs. The WKU receivers are also fairly experienced and will offer an opportunity for a retooled Crimson Tide defensive backfield to work on its communication. 

I would be surprised if there weren’t any mistakes or blown assignments from the Alabama secondary in week one, but the unit should improve after getting its first live action against an unfamiliar opponent.