In Kalen DeBoer’s first press conference of the spring, he noted several players that will be unable to participate in spring practices due to injury. Two starters in Alabama’s secondary will be sidelined. Those two being safety Keon Sabb and cornerback Domani Jackson.
Given the fact that Sabb and Jackson are out, others should see more opportunities in the secondary throughout the spring. Thus, it should be beneficial for members of the secondary to become more acclimated and accustomed to the expectations surrounding the SWARM defense.
Several members of the secondary that need to take full advantage of this opportunity are Cam Calhoun, Dijon Lee Jr., Zavier Mincey, and Kameron Howard among others.
Calhoun and Lee Jr. could both see a lot of playing time at the boundary corner spot opposite of Zabien Brown this spring. That would typically be the position that Jackson would play, but his injury allows others to get experience at that position.
With Sabb out, two players to keep a close eye on are redshirt sophomore Kameron Howard and sophomore Zavier Mincey.
Howard and Mincey will receive valuable work and reps in lieu of Sabb’s absence. Mincey started in Alabama’s bowl game against Michigan. He recorded a season-high seven tackles.
Howard played in four games and recorded two tackles. He returned despite minimal playing time and now has an opportunity to make a name for himself this spring.
The injuries in the secondary should actually be beneficial for the Crimson Tide in the long run. It will be interesting to see who takes advantage of the opportunities that they are given during the spring.
GET THE BEST ALABAMA FOOTBALL INSIDER INFORMATION, MESSAGE BOARD ACCESS, AND RECRUITING COVERAGE TODAY! SIGN UP HERETO UNLOCK OUR SUBSCRIBER ONLY CONTENT!*
Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
