Jordan Battle evaluates Terrion Arnold, cornerback competition

Listed among five cornerbacks on the Alabama Crimson Tide depth chart heading into the 2022 season is redshirt freshman Terrion Arnold. After gaining experience on the sidelines last season, the former top-50 prospect is ready to break out.

Fellow Florida native and Bama defensive back Jordan Battle opened up about Arnold this week ahead of the first kickoff of the season. He believes Arnold’s elevated confidence levels are evident compared to his initial year on campus.

“Terrion is one of my little brothers, he’s progressed very well on the field and off the field,” Battle told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s becoming more of a leader. As a young guy on this team, he’s stepped up into the role. He’s playing very confident and I think that’s what he changed from last year. With his confidence, he’s playing well and we like that.”

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Arnold, a Tallahassee, Florida transplant, was the No. 35-ranked prospect in the country in the 2021 signing class, according to the On3 Consensus. He’s listed as the starting cornerback, with an OR next to his name, alongside senior Khyree Jackson. Jackson is a former JUCO transfer. He made his first start in the national title game versus Georgia last season.

Alabama depth chart features several options at cornerback

Unlike their week two opponents the Texas Longhorns who made headlines for not releasing a depth chart, the Crimson Tide released its depth chart on Monday. Although it painted a clear picture of the back half of the secondary, the chart included several options at cornerback:

CB1
1 Kool-Aid McKinstry (So.) OR 7 Eli Ricks (Jr.)
23 Jahquez Robinson (RS So.)

CB2
3 Terrion Arnold (RS Fr.) OR 6 Khyree Jackson (Sr.)

Although it’s unclear which cornerbacks will hit the field first when the Tide welcomes Utah State on Saturday, Jordan Battle believes all five have the skills, and confidence, to play.

“It’s been a great competition between the corners,” Battle said. “Every day they’re coming out competing. None of them is showing any emotion, they’re just going out and doing what they need to do to get on the field. They’re all being competitive with each other, all talking when they’re at practice, going into meetings; they’re all on the same page.

“As a corner, you understand your job is very significant on defense because you’re on that island. All the corners we have, have the confidence to be on that island.”