On3 Roundtable: Where Alabama's secondary position battles stand

If there is one word to describe the defensive back room in Tuscaloosa, it’s depth. Alabama has multiple players who are worthy of starting this season. Some even have the versatility of playing at different spots, working at different levels of the secondary.

BOL‘s Jimmy Stein broke down some of the position battles occurring in the secondary. But he decided to start in an area he feels comfortable saying there is no competition — the cornerback spot. Alabama had Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold start there a season ago. No reason to expect anything different in 2023.

“Corner is sort of locked in,” Stein said. “Kool-Aid and Terrion. I don’t think Trey Amos can beat out Terrion Arnold… I think the starting corners are locked in.”

Another position group locked down in Stein’s eyes is safety. He “can’t imagine” anybody but Malachi Moore and Caleb Downs starting back there for Alabama. One returns as the most experienced defensive back in the SEC, while Downs is a true freshman.

Either way, high expectations for the Crimson Tide safeties.

Alabama transfers have opportunity in hybrid roles

Nick Saban brought in two defensive back transfers this offseason, both from the Group of Five. Jaylen Key was not too far away, previously playing for UAB. Louisiana‘s Trey Amos was the other as both head to Tuscaloosa with the opportunity to compete.

“I think they’re competing for spots,” Stein said on Amos and Key. “I actually think that the hybrid spots might be the best fits for those guys. We’ll see if that’s where they play.”

Alabama is going to run five defensive backs out there more times than not. Brian Branch played the position last season and wound up as an early second-round draft pick. The position is important to Saban, especially against these high-flying offenses you will see in the SEC.

Earl Little is Stein’s favorite to win the job if Moore sticks at safety. Even so, both Amos and Key have the opportunity to win the job in fall camp.

“Not sure what’s going to happen at STAR,” Stein said. “I think it’s Earl Little. I think so. It might be Malachi (Moore). But also since I think it’s not as locked up, maybe that’s Trey Amos’ best chance to be in the starting group. Likewise with Jaylen Key.”

Move down to another position when a sixth defensive back is on the field and Stein believes that’s Key’s best opportunity to get serious playing time.

“There’s that Money spot,” Stein said. “It might be Kristian Story. I could see Jaylen Key beating him out.”