In another postseason situation, he will have a chance to shine.
Josh Jobe was called into action during the second half of the College Football Playoff National Championship in January versus Clemson. He replaced an injured Saivion Smith at cornerback and despite Alabama suffering a 44-16 loss, the four-star held his own against Justyn Ross.
While he has not had much playing time this season, the Miami (Fla.) native will get the nod to start at left corner versus Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. He will replace Trevon Diggs, who has decided to sit out the matchup.
The 6-foot-1, 189-pounder prides himself on being a physical defender with strong ball skills. Jobe was one of five cornerbacks signed in the Crimson Tide’s 2018 recruiting class, and one thing his teammates love about him is his competitive nature.
RELATED: WATCH: Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II sees Michigan game as a tone-setter for next season
During the spring game, he made it his business to frustrate Alabama’s group at wide receiver upon the snap of the ball. Whether it was Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith, he got into the face of whomever the coaching staff matched him on.
He has 22 tackles with two pass breakups in 11 games, and the Tide will need for him to be exceptional in locking down the Wolverines at receiver – headlined by Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Collins leads the squad in touchdown catches (seven) and Peoples-Jones chimes in with 404 yards receiving and six scores on 33 catches.
Ronnie Bell, a sophomore, leads Michigan in receiving yards (705) on 44 receptions with one score.
Throughout the week of bowl prep in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Jobe has brought a lot of ‘fire’ to the defense – according to his teammates.
“He’s handling it well,” Patrick Surtain II said of Jobe on Friday. “It’s nothing new to him. He has been out there before. I expect nothing less than great from him.”
Surtain, another native Floridian, was one of the corners signed with Jobe.
Regardless of him spending much of his time on special teams, Surtain said Jobe is a ‘dynamic player’ whenever he is on the field.
“He was also a big contributor on special teams as well,” Surtain said. “He made big-time plays on the field, when he got his opportunity.”
The team is highly confident in Jobe being one of the tone setters for next season; however, the important thing for him is to not be too physical.
Moments have happened where he’s been to forceful with receivers and has been called for pass interference or holding.
If he can trust his technique and be in phase on the field, Jobe will help Alabama post a strong outing on New Year’s Day.
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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.
