Bruce Feldman: Be prepared for Caleb Downs coming out party vs. Texas

Alabama is dealing with some injuries in the secondary, which could open up the door for some Crimson Tide backups to make their mark.

‘Bama defensive backs Malachi Moore and Jaylen Key are both banged up heading into the Texas game, and on Saturday morning, college football insider Bruce Feldman provided the latest on their situation. First, he said Moore is likely to play in some capacity.

“Now, what I’m told is the Alabama staff is optimistic that Moore, who’s the leader of that secondary, will be able to go. Now, how long he’ll be able to go is another concern.”

Meanwhile, Key’s status is less certain and Alabama already has their backup plans in place, per Feldman.

“Jaylen Key is a little more questionable whether he will be able to go. If he does not, Christian Story, a senior, will take over for him and he’s the guy expected to get the start.”

The experienced Story may get the starting nod in place of Key, but Feldman says to watch out for a certain blue-chip true freshman to earn plenty of snaps as well.

“One name to keep an eye on tonight: Caleb Downs — five-star true freshman recruit,” reported Feldman. He says the coaches in Tuscaloosa are loving the youngster so far.

“(Downs) started last week at safety. He is a big time guy who’s generated a ton of buzz inside the Alabama coaching staff. They love this kid. They say he is super smart, physical, great range. Tonight could be a big coming out party on the national stage for Caleb Downs.”

In his first collegiate game last weekend, Downs came through with eight tackles with one resulting in a loss. Not a bad debut performance at all. With another chance to play heavy snaps, perhaps a similar outing is in order.

Saban’s latest comments on Moore & Key

By Thomas Goldkamp

Nick Saban also touched on the status of defensive back Malachi Moore and Jaylen Key on SEC Nation on Saturday morning.

“I do think both of them have a chance to play in the game, Malachi especially,” Saban said. “He’s practiced a little bit more. I think Jaylen will be a game-time decision.”

Both Moore and Key were injured in the team’s season-opening 56-7 win over MTSU last week. Their status certainly didn’t seem dire coming out of the game, with Saban waiting to see how they’d perform during the week.

“We got a couple guys banged up,” Saban said Saturday night. “I don’t know the extent of their injuries – Jaylen Key and Malachi Moore both. But we’ll see how that goes. They’ll get evaluated tomorrow and probably know more soon.”

Saban provided multiple updates on the duo throughout the week, offering some hope that they could be available for the big showdown against Texas.

Both will be needed against a Texas passing attack that features a veteran starter at quarterback in Quinn Ewers and some real weapons at wideout in the likes of Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington and Ja’Tavion Sanders.

“They’re able to practice,” Nick Saban said of Moore and Key on Monday. “Just how much they’re able to practice and how close to 100% they can get by game time will be the big question that we’ll have to answer. And that probably is not something that we can comment on until we get to that point.”