He updated injuries to multiple players in his media availability for Alabama football on Tuesday, but one name in particular that Kalen DeBoer highlighted gives an opportunity for growth in the defensive secondary.
Bray Hubbard, a fourth-year safety, enters his third season as an impact player.
Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Bray Hubbard (18) celebrates his interception during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
The native Mississippian was tremendous as a first-year starter at strong safety in 2025, posting 79 total tackles (third on the team), 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass breakups, three forced fumbles, a quarterback hurry, and a team-high four interceptions.
He is arguably the biggest enforcer on the team after making first-team All-Southeastern Conference from the league’s coaches and the Associated Press. Hubbard is expected to have a dominant year in the fall and enter the 2027 NFL Draft as a high draft pick; however, he will be limited in spring practice.
DeBoer stated that Hubbard will have limited contact.
His missing reps allows for two young defensive backs – Zavier Mincey and Ivan Taylor – to develop into being huge contributors. Mincey, a native of Daytona Beach, Fla., came to the University of Alabama as a four-star safety in the 2024 signing class. The 6-foot-3, 206-pounder brings athleticism, range, size, physicality, and ball skills to the position.
Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Zavier Mincey (12) catches a ball during warmups before the game with Mercer at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
He had 16 total tackles and two pass breakups in 13 games in 2024, splitting time on special teams and in the secondary.
Mincey earned an expanded role last season in Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 defense – recording 22 tackles, two quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup. He would be the immediate next man up to get reps with Hubbard limited.
Taylor, son of former Super Bowl champion Ike Taylor, arrived to the Crimson Tide as a four-star prospect from Florida as well in the 2025 class. He was primarily on special teams before developing a role in the secondary late in the season.
3/7/25 MFB Spring Practice 3
Alabama Defensive Back Ivan Taylor (13)
Photo by Kent Gidley
The 6-foot, 196-pounder was responsible for 14 tackles and a pass breakup in 15 games.
Mincey has two years of experience on Taylor in Wommack’s system, but Taylor’s NFL bloodline makes up for lack of time on task. Alabama fans look forward to watching Hubbard take out opposition in the fall; nevertheless, Mincey and Taylor should take advantage of the moment to be more acquainted at strong safety.
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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
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