Former 4-star DB making big strides in spring practice for Alabama

Gary Cosby Jr. - Tuscaloosa News

Alabama’s defensive secondary is one of few positions Crimson Tide fans are confident in for the coming fall.

Alabama safety stepping up this spring while starter is limited

Several experienced veterans – including Keon Sabb, Bray Hubbard, Zabien Brown, and Red Morgan – are back to assure elite performances. Alabama also acquired a 6’4” transfer cornerback from Mercer, Carmelo O’Neal, and signed some freshmen in the 2026 class.

Zavier Mincey, a former four-star from Daytona Beach, Fla., is a young player who enters his third season with the program.

He was recruited by Nick Saban as a cornerback, yet he has worked a different position under Kalen DeBoer and Kane Wommack. Mincey earned his first career start at safety in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against Michigan.

Since then, he played in all 15 games for the Tide in 2025 – marking him at 28 career games. The 6-foot-3, 206-pounder collected 38 tackles, three pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries. Mincey has stepped up in spring practice at safety.

Alabama DB tells why he feels he can win second national title with Crimson Tide

“He has grown a lot coming from cornerback to safety,” Alabama safety Keon Sabb said Monday about Mincey in media availability. “It was definitely a very hard transition, but he’s making it look really easy.”

Mincey and Ivan Taylor are the next two up for the Tide as safeties.

He’s been impactful in the spring, but we will see if Mincey carries it over to the fall.

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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.