Alabama has double down its recruitment of defensive backs since the 2018 class and with the group on campus now, its secondary stands as a major strength for the upcoming season.
Fans expect quality production from talents such as Trevon Diggs, Patrick Surtain II, Xavier McKinney, Shyheim Carter and Jared Mayden.
Guys like Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis anticipate taking a step forward, and there may be one or two freshmen that’ll push for time.
Despite it being three names overall, two Crimson Tide defenders are on the clock in search of an opportunity to emerge. The time is now for sophomores Daniel Wright and Eddie Smith to rise and create more explosive depth.
RELATED: Alabama lands nine on Athlon Sports’ 2019 preseason All-America Teams
Both players bring size, athleticism, ball skills and sound tackling to the table; however, only one may be able to provide a significant impact.
Wright, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., hailed from the same high school – Boyd Anderson – as former Tide safety, Eddie Jackson. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder was a unanimous four-star prospect and No. 60 on the ESPN 300, upon his enrollment in Alabama’s 2016 signing class.
He has played in 18 career games (18 tackles), but a shoulder injury limited him to four games last season.
Prior to sustaining a torn labrum, the coaching staff was targeting Wright to have a breakout year.
He also found himself in Nick Saban’s doghouse late in 2018 with a suspension, so he also needs to have himself in line mentally. Wright has the range to be a coverage safety; nevertheless, he also brings the hammer and can play at dime linebacker.
Smith, a native of Slidell, La., was a three-star from Salem High School, but his style of play is above the rating. He was categorized as someone with excellent versatility, explosiveness and ball skills in the 2018 cycle. The 6-foot, 190-pounder was ESPN’s No. 61 cornerback, yet he may fit the Tide better at free safety.
Smith read the eyes of freshman quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa on A-Day and recorded an interception off the four-star recruit. He made a name for himself on special teams in 2018 through six games; however, second-team safety could be his spot — if Alabama choses to start Shyheim Carter in that role. Behind the returning senior, Smith carries the same body structure, instincts and range as Carter. He would provide no drop off, if given a shot at the position.
Wright and Smith will battle in fall camp, but who will have the bigger role?
First-year safeties’ coach Charles Kelly will make the decision.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
