Alabama head coach Nick Saban is not ready to end the competition at cornerback yet.
Four guys are battling for two starting jobs as the Crimson Tide plays Texas this weekend.
The names are Kool-Aid McKinstry, Eli Ricks, Khyree Jackson, and Terrion Arnold. McKinstry has been consistent from spring practice through fall camp, but Ricks, Jackson, and Arnold have been battling it out. McKinstry and Arnold got the starting nod last week versus Utah State. Arnold got tested early, but both played well. Jackson had a highlight play on defense, and Ricks earned opportunities too. The Aggies did not consistently attack the Crimson Tide’s corners, but Texas will do it. Quinn Ewers, a freshman quarterback, is a ‘talented passer’ per Saban. Steve Sarkisian wants to isolate the cornerbacks and attack matchups.
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Week two will show the Tide where it is in its national championship pursuit.
On Wednesday, Saban explained to reporters what he needs to see from his corners against the Longhorns.
“I think everyone needs to focus on their improvement each week,” he said. “There are new things, challenges, patterns, and things to match up. Who does that the best? Who can show the most maturity? Who can stay focused? Who can play with the most consistency? So, that is always the challenge at every position. It is a challenge for those guys at corner.”
Alabama’s cornerbacks have to handle Xavier Worthy, Agiye Hall, Jordan Whittington, Marcus Washington, and Joshua Moore as wide receivers for Texas. Worthy led the group in 2021 with 62 catches for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Saban said the competition will continue this week.
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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.
