Alabama’s versatile depth in its defensive secondary was on display Friday in a spring scrimmage.
The Crimson Tide has to replace Jordan Battle, DeMarcco Hellams, Brian Branch, and Eli Ricks. Nick Saban told reporters following the game-like practice that Kool-Aid McKinstry did not scrimmage. The veteran cornerback had a personal (family) matter to attend to. Several young guys got an opportunity in the secondary, including five-star freshman Caleb Downs.
RELATED: Caleb Downs getting a ‘lot of reps’ at safety, per Nick Saban
Malachi Moore and Earl Little II worked in new positions. Moore, a senior, got a look at safety in the scrimmage.
He played at the position during his senior year at Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) High School and was one of the top safety prospects in the 2020 class. Moore had a dominant freshman season for Alabama that included six pass breakups, three interceptions, and a fumble return for a touchdown. He earned multiple accolades and helped the Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship. Injuries hampered him in 2021, but he returned last season with 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five pass breakups, and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. The 6-foot, 198-pounder is healthy entering his final year. Coach Saban said Moore is seeing opportunities at safety and star (nickel). His career started in nickel, but it will be interesting to see if it finishes there.
Little, a redshirt freshman, worked at nickel in the scrimmage.
He has all the tools to be a boundary cornerback, but Little possesses versatility. His father, Earl Little Sr., played nine seasons in the National Football League. Patrick Surtain Sr., a former NFL cornerback, was Little’s head coach at American Heritage High School. As a former four-star, the South Florida native could beat out Terrion Arnold for the corner spot opposite McKinstry.
Arnold is holding serve as of now. Alabama is trying to build depth at safety, but having Moore work there is a good start.
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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.
