The defensive back position has been exciting for Alabama football thus far in spring practice.
Kalen DeBoer has some experience, a lot of talent, and heavy potential in the secondary.
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Kane Wommack, the Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator, could have the next “No Fly Zone” look for Alabama. Nick Saban signed a very talented freshmen class of defensive backs before he retired, and the group has caught on fast to Wommack’s scheme. Coach DeBoer highlighted two names in particular — Zabien Brown and Red Morgan — that have stood out.
“Those two in particular and there have been some others too, but those two have been highlighted through the first five practices,” DeBoer said Thursday of Brown and Morgan. “Red made a nice play or two today, and Zabien has been super consistent… really beyond what you would expect from guys who are so young. It has been really positive with those guys.”
Morgan, a four-star in the 2024 recruiting class, came in as one of the top in-state safety prospects from Central High School in Phenix City, Ala. The 6-foot, 175-pounder plays bigger than what he is and is highly athletic. Malachi Moore, a senior defensive back, mentioned to reporters in the first week of spring practice that it is crazy how athletically gifted Morgan is.
He said the in-state product has a chance to be really good if he continues learning the defense.
Brown, an alumnus of Mater Dei High school in Santa Ana, Calif., is battling for a starting position at cornerback. He arrived as one of the top corners in this recent recruiting cycle, choosing Alabama over USC, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State.
The 6-foot, 180-pounder has savvy ball skills, instincts, and coverage abilities.
Brown is pushing Jahlil Hurley, a redshirt freshman, for a chance at one of two spots on the boundary. Alabama has its first scrimmage of spring practice at Bryant-Denny Stadium. We will see how Morgan and Brown perform with the lights on in a game-like practice.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
