Amazingly, a simple acronym has taken this Alabama team from reeling to playing for a Southeastern Conference Championship and a possible College Football Playoff berth.
The two players behind Let All Naysayers Know or LANK have Nick Saban in a position to win his ninth SEC Championship as the Crimson Tide’s head football coach. One-half of the duo brings versatility to an Alabama defense that has been the best second-half unit in college football. He has Kevin Steele on the verge of being an SEC Champion in his return to Alabama.
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Terrion Arnold, a redshirt sophomore, is an incredible story. He never played cornerback in high school; however, the native Floridian has become arguably the best corner in the SEC. Arnold, a former five-star in the 2021 recruiting class, encountered growing pains last year, but it bettered him. He’s turned himself into an elite defender, as quarterbacks and wide receivers have not succeeded in challenging him. The 6-foot, 196-pounder ranks fourth on the defense for total tackles (52) and has six tackles for loss, a sack, 10 pass breakups (team-high), two quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and three interceptions (team-high).
He’s become a vocal leader on defense, and someone Miss Terry Saban can depend on to keep players focused.
Arnold has moved a lot in the secondary this season, playing cornerback, star, and safety. Coach Saban praised Arnold’s versatility as a primary reason for the Tide’s defense performing better.
“He’s had to play multiple positions … some star at times, without a lot of reps at it … his coverage ability has been very good,” Saban said about Arnold.
He called the third-year player ‘a trooper,’ because Arnold does not complain. He takes on challenges of different roles and wants to excel. Arnold’s diversity helps Kool-Aid McKinstry, Malachi Moore, Caleb Downs, and Jaylen Key be at their best as starters.
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It also helps Trey Amos, Kristian Story, and Devonta Smith as well. Alabama has depth in its secondary, but Arnold’s versatility makes it dangerous. He is ready to lead the secondary into Jordan-Hare Stadium for an Iron Bowl showdown against Auburn.
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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.
