Alabama football: Nick Saban weighs in on cornerbacks

Alabama football coach Nick Saban cited each cornerback by name as he broke down the position battle this week. The Crimson Tide secondary loses All-American corner Patrick Surtain II but retains Josh Jobe from last year’s starting lineup. The team also adds five-star freshman Kool-Aid McKinstry and JuCo transfer Khyree Jackson to the rotation.

Saban stressed the need for continuity and the importance of working within the confines of the defense as Alabama prepares for the season.

“We need to get everybody out there on the field so we can work together as a unit, which is something we haven’t been able to do for the last three or four practices,” Saban told reporters during his Wednesday press conference.

Josh Jobe

This year’s group of cornerbacks is led by the senior Jobe, who finished 2020 with 55 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two sacks. Jobe is the only cornerback with significant playing time over the past several seasons at Alabama, making him a valuable piece in the defensive puzzle.

“Josh has had a good camp so far,” said Saban. He’s got good knowledge and experience at the position.”

Kool-Aid McKinstry and Khyree Jackson

McKinstry and Jackson are the new faces in the Alabama cornerback room, but both have made a quick impression. The two have firmly planted themselves in the conversation of playing time and could battle for the second starting role.

McKinstry enrolled at Alabama in the spring and has quickly made an impression on the staff. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding previously spoke about his game.

“Kool-Aid is a very talented kid,” said Golding. “He’s got the length that we want. He’s got the short-area quickness. He can run, he’s got top-end speed. He’s played offense and returned punts so he’s got ball skills.

“The one thing that I was most impressed about from Kool-Aid in the spring is the ability to come up and put his face on you,” he continued. “A lot of times, those types of kids, especially that position, are hesitant to come put their face on you….so I thought in the spring, yeah he’s athletic enough, we knew that, right? He is who we thought he was, right? But I thought he was more physical.”

Marcus Banks and Jalyn Armour-Davis

Marcus Banks and Jalyn Armour-Davis are returning Alabama players who have been used sparingly in their careers so far. Both saw significant time on special teams and have fought for more time in the defense this offseason.

“Marcus Banks has done a pretty good job,” said Saban. “Jalyn Armour-Davis has played fairly well, he’s been a little banged up here for the last couple days.”

While no major injuries have been reported, availability this late in the process is an important factor in winning a bigger role in the team.