Alabama head coach Nick Saban made big moves this offseason for the Crimson Tide’s defense.
He hired Kevin Steele to replace Pete Golding as defensive coordinator, he brought in Robert Bala as an inside linebackers coach, he made Travaris Robinson the secondary coach (cornerbacks and safeties), and returned Charlie Strong as a defensive analyst.
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Will the Crimson Tide return to being an elite defense with these moves?
An opportunity is there, especially after hearing Terrion Arnold address reporters.
As a redshirt sophomore, the South Florida native earned an opportunity to play cornerback in 2022 for the first time in his career. It was a transition for him, but the former five-star held his own. He garnered Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC honors after totaling 45 tackles, a tackle for loss, eight pass breakups, and an interception. Coach Saban highlighted Arnold’s performance in last week’s scrimmage and discussed him getting opportunities at nickel (star) too. Arnold appreciates the growth he made in a new position, but he is excited about the potential of this defense. He said this group can be one of the best ones.
“We learned that we can be a really, really great defense,” Arnold said Monday after the scrimmage.
“We have to put all the little things together, and we have the guys that have more want to and grit. We want to refine the standard and bring it back to a positive outcome. So I feel like this defense is going to be like one of the great defenses.”
Alabama fans are going to hold Arnold to this statement. They were expecting an elite group last year, but it did not happen.
Hopefully, things fall into place for this year’s defense to be exceptional.
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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.
