Alabama’s youth in its defensive secondary has raised some concerns this offseason, especially with Nick Saban.
The former head coach of the Crimson Tide highlighted the defensive backfield as an area where he cannot fully get on the bandwagon for Alabama to win a national championship. He gave his opinion from the analyst perspective at the Omni Hotel (Dallas, Texas) for Southeastern Conference Media Days, but a veteran defensive back for the Tide is pleased with the progress of the secondary heading into fall camp. Malachi Moore, a fifth-year senior, understands Saban’s point, but he’s behind his group.
Nick Saban made a comment of concern about Alabama’s secondary at SEC Media Days, but Alabama DB Malachi Moore likes the progress of the group.
He highlighted Domani Jackson, Zabien Brown, Zavier Mincey, Jaylen Mbakwe, and DaShawn Jones.@TDAlabamaMag @TouchdownETP pic.twitter.com/TJvV2OVev4
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) July 17, 2024
“As a former player, it is different seeing Coach Saban on the media side,” Moore said Wednesday. “He is just being honest. Losing Kool-Aid and Terrion, two great corners, two first-round corners in my opinion, it is always going to be hard to replace that type of talent. Domani Jackson, Zabien Brown, Jaylen Mbakwe, Zay Mincey, DaShawn Jones. … Everybody has just come in, put their head down, and are working every day. I am really liking the progress I am seeing with this group.”
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Moore is the veteran on the back end, and he’s the lone one with a College Football Playoff National Championship ring from his freshman season in 2020. He and Keon Sabb, the transfer from Michigan, are the projected starting safeties.
It will be interesting to see who comes out with the job at both cornerback positions.
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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.