Competition returns to Alabama football
Whether it is the veterans or true freshmen, no one has shied away from a challenge thus far in the Crimson Tide’s preseason practice program.
Steve Sarkisian enters his second year at offensive coordinator, and he possesses all the talent to make this group even more exciting than the 2019 unit.
Defensively, Alabama is not only healthy but it also has tons of depth across the board.
Because of injuries, it played 25 true freshmen a season ago — including nine starters.
After months of wondering about a football season, the Southeastern Conference announced on last week it will have a 10-game, conference-only schedule. With the sport almost getting removed from student-athletes, one of the freshmen from Alabama’s 11-win team in 2019 believes it is time to put together an ‘unforgettable season.’
Start Unknown Finish Unforgettable!! Let’s Go!! #rolltide
— Jordan Battle™️ (@jordantofly100) July 30, 2020
Jordan Battle, a four-star safety from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., had a good freshman campaign.
The 6-foot-1, 201-pounder totaled 30 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one pass breakup and one interception through 13 games. He brings exceptional range, ball skills and lateral quickness to the position, especially with his ability to play the lower third of the field.
During this time of the Coronavirus pandemic, it was unknown as to whether football would happen.
RELATED: The good, bad, and the ugly of SEC-only schedule for Alabama football
A return to action on Sept. 26 has Battle prepared to take his game to the next level.
In the Nick Saban era, many defensive backs — including Mark Barron, DeMarcus “Dee” Milliner, Dre Kirkpatrick, Ha’Sean “Ha Ha” Clinton-Dix and Minkah Fitzpatrick — became major stars as sophomores.
As an alumnus of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Battle recognizes he is next in line.
He was on the Tide’s first team that missed the College Football Playoff since its inception in 2014.
Battle refuses to let that happen again.
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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.
