Alabama graduates Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold to the NFL Draft as cornerbacks.
Malachi Moore is returning for a fifth-year in the secondary, and Caleb Downs had an impressive freshman campaign for the Crimson Tide in 2023. Earl Little II, a former four-star, entered the NCAA transfer portal. He is reportedly visiting Florida State this week, but we will if Alabama is able to pull him back. The Tide is loaded with talent in its defensive backfield, but what will the rotation look like in spring practice? A projected depth chart is below on the Tide’s secondary as it looks toward next season.
Marquee Departures
-Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry
-Terrion Arnold
Veteran Returners
-Malachi Moore
-Trey Amos
-Jaylen Key
-Caleb Downs
-Devonta Smith
-Antonio Kite
Other DB talents on roster
-Domani Jackson (transfer from USC)
-Dezz Ricks
-Jahlil Hurley
-Tony Mitchell
-Jake Pope
-Brayson “Bray” Hubbard
2024 freshmen signees
-Zabien Brown
-Jameer Grimsley
-Aeryn “Bubba” Hampton
-Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.
-Jaylen Mbakwe
-Rydarrius “Red” Morgan
-Peyton Woodyard
Projected starting secondary in spring
-CB 1: Trey Amos, Antonio Kite
-CB 2: Domani Jackson, Dezz Ricks/Jahlil Hurley
-Star: Malachi Moore, Tony Mitchell
-FS: Devonta Smith, Malachi Moore/Jaylen Key
-SS: Caleb Downs, Jake Pope
-Money: Jake Pope, Tony Mitchell
We will see what happens when spring practice begins in March.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
