Alabama fans expect this defense to be the most dominant one of the Nick Saban era with the leadership it returns on all three levels.
The Crimson Tide knows what it has at linebacker. It hopes to have interior playmakers on the defensive line, but its secondary is intriguing. Alabama returns Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams to anchor communication as safeties. Brian Branch and Malachi Moore have been starters in nickel, and both know the position well. The cornerback room is intriguing because Coach Saban and Pete Golding (defensive coordinator) have a massive competition on Sunday.
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We know three names. Khyree Jackson and Kool-Aid McKinstry played last year as members of the 2021 signing class. Jackson transferred in from junior college, while McKinstry was a five-star athlete arriving from Pinson (Ala.) Valley High School.
Both saw time on the field, and McKinstry earned All-Freshman honors from the Southeastern Conference.
Eli Ricks, a transfer from Louisiana State University, is the third name. He totaled 31 tackles, five interceptions, and six pass breakups in 16 games for the Tigers. A shoulder injury limited his time in 2021, but Ricks wants to produce for the Tide. During the summer, he posted positive words of affirmation on his mirror about what he wanted to accomplish. Some things included 5+ interceptions, 20+ breakups, winning the Jim Thorpe Award, becoming an All-American, winning a College Football Playoff National Championship, and being a top-10 NFL Draft selection.
Terrion Arnold and Jahquez Robinson have brought more fire to the competition.
Arnold, a redshirt freshman, was a five-star in the 2021 class. He excelled as one of the top safety prospects in the nation, dominating in football and basketball. The 6-foot, 188-pounder possesses ball skills reminiscent of former Tide standout Eddie Jackson upon watching his high school tape. Arnold switched to cornerback last year, but he can play corner and safety.
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“Terrion Arnold is really flashing,” Golding said.
3/21/22 MFB Practice
Alabama defensive back Jahquez Robinson (23)
Photo by Kent Gidley
Robinson, a junior, was a four-star in the 2020 class. He came in December 2019 to help Alabama prepare for Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. The 6-foot-2, 197-pounder is built similarly to former Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs. Robinson is long, rangy, and athletic as a corner.
He did not play in his first season, but Robinson saw action versus Mercer in 2021.
According to Saban, the native Floridian has improved a lot.
“Jahquez Robinson can be a contributor at some position,” he said.
Saban also mentioned Brian Branch as a contributor at corner.
“I think Brian Branch can play corner if we needed him,” he said. “We do practice him some there.”
Alabama has not found two clear-cut starting cornerbacks, but having five to six players battle things out is good. The Tide wants defenders that take away a side of the field. As camp continues, we will see which two players rise to take both cornerback spots.
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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.
