He is the underrated veteran of an Alabama secondary that anticipates having a marquee senior season.
Shyheim Carter, a native of Kentwood, La., came to the Crimson Tide as a four-star and one of the nation’s top cornerback prospects in the 2016 class. He stepped up his efforts late in 2018 and had his best outing versus Georgia in the Southeastern Conference title game.
Carter returns as an athlete who can play at outside corner, nickel or safety and Pro Football Focus labeled him a “key piece” to Alabama’s defense this season. The 6-foot, 191-pounder recorded 44 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions (both for scores) last year.
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He would also chime in with three quarterback pressures – which placed him first among defensive backs for the Tide. According to a graphic from PFF, Carter surrendered a passer rating of 51.6 while having a run-defense grade of 91.5 and an overall grade of 88.4.
Shyheim Carter will be a key piece in the Crimson Tide defense this season. pic.twitter.com/KSQDytLbUp
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 11, 2019
He was one of the best inside coverage and run stopping cornerbacks in college football, and he wants to build off that success.
It will be interesting to see where Nick Saban plays him as fall practice gears up in three weeks.
Alabama will face Duke on Saturday, Aug. 31 in Atlanta, and a stellar performance throughout the year should land Carter a first-round draft grade for 2020.
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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.
