As we prepare to enter the summer, it is time to familiarize ourselves with some other freshmen via Alabama’s 2021 recruiting class. The summer enrollees will arrive on campus either late this month or early June. It can be difficult to come in and push for a starting job; however, these young athletes are fearless.
In this series, the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will highlight the summer prospects that have the best opportunity to compete for early playing time in the fall for the Crimson Tide.
The fourth profile goes to Terrion Arnold.
Terrion Arnold
–Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.
–Position: Defensive Back
–Height: 6-0
–Weight: 180 pounds
–Skills: Athleticism, length, speed, coverage, ball skills, hard-hitter, versatility
–Summary: Terrion Arnold is one of eight 5-star athletes that signed in Alabama’s 2021 recruiting class.
Despite the depth at each position, the Crimson Tide is not particularly deep at safety. Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams are the projected starters while Daniel Wright is a backup.
Brian Branch has the ability to play safety; however, he is currently the backup to Malachi Moore at nickel. Alabama also has Kristian Story and Jahquez Robinson, but they are still growing as players.
Arnold has a big chance to come in and push for significant playing time. A native of Tallahassee, Fla., he showed a lot of playmaking abilities at St. John Paul II Catholic High School.
The 6-foot, 180-pounder was ball-hawking safety on tape with exceptional return skills.
Arnold has length, athleticism, speed, coverage skills, and the ability to change directions.
He has a natural feel for the ball in his hands, and he’s also a secure tackler. Arnold played defensive back and wide receiver, and he’s at his best when he attacks the ball at its highest point.
He also displayed the capability to return punts and kickoffs too. Arnold gives Nick Saban an all-around safety.
He could come in and pass up Wright, Story, and Robinson for playing time. We shall see what happens in fall camp, but safety is a position where Arnold can show his potential.
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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.
