Alabama’s defensive secondary will be one of the most intriguing parts of the team in the fall.
Nick Saban has several players on the back end that can excel in different roles.
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He explained it to reporters following the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage of spring practice. Travaris Robinson is handling cornerbacks and safeties, but one player is looking to remain as a boundary cornerback. Terrion Arnold, a former five-star in the 2021 class, came from South Florida as a marquee safety prospect. He played corner out of necessity as a redshirt freshman, but Arnold earned Freshman All-SEC and Freshman All-American honors. He collected 45 tackles, a tackle for loss, eight pass breakups, and an interception in 11 games — including seven starts. Kool-Aid McKinstry, a veteran cornerback, says he is comfortable with Arnold across from him. The Birmingham (Ala.) native feels confident with Arnold on the field.
Earl Little II, a redshirt freshman, is battling for a chance to start in the secondary. He could play at corner or nickel (star), depending on where the Tide needs him. Coach Saban discussed Arnold in Alabama’s secondary after the game-like practice.
“Terrion Arnold has been doing a good job at corner,” Saban said. “He is having a good spring. We played him at star some, too.”
Arnold, Little, and Malachi Moore have worked some at nickel in practice.
It will be interesting to see if Arnold remains as an outside cornerback or does he move inside. He played well at times as a boundary corner, including an interception, a pass breakup, and eight total tackles versus Texas A&M.
Alabama has good competition at corner, but Arnold is holding serve right now.
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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.
