Alabama fans have seen young names in the defensive secondary get opportunities this season.
Jaylen Mbawke, Zabien Brown, King Mack, and Bray Hubbard have all stepped up. Crimson Tide nation saw another name emerge on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium last week versus Missouri. He arrived as a talented four-star prospect in Alabama’s 2024 recruiting class from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Fla. Zavier Mincey brings elite height at 6’3″ and possesses the range to cover ground as a safety. He made a punishing tackle against the Tigers and finished with four total stops.
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Mincey is getting an opportunity because of a foot injury to Keon Sabb. Alabama has had to shuffle players around on the back end, but the depth is showing promise. Colin Hitschler, the Tide’s safeties coach, is excited about Mincey’s future in the secondary. He spoke highly of the freshman in Wednesday’s media availability for assistant coaches during the bye week.
“It was exciting, it was very exciting,” Hitschler said about Mincey hitting the field against Missouri. “He is a kid that has moved around a little bit for us and continues to grow. We are excited to get Zay on the field more. He is a really, really talented player.”
The 6-foot-3, 204-pounder has six tackles this season. Mincey is one of a few players that have been cross-trained at different positions in the secondary, but he has found a home at safety. Hitschler feels Mincey will have an ‘excellent future’ in that role.
It is going to be fun watching his preparation for next week in facing LSU on the road.
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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.
