Why 5-Star safety could be perfect for Tide at Husky position

Alabama commit Jorden Edmonds and Jireh Edwards - Photo Courteous of Jireh Edwards

Alabama football is in hot pursuit of a 2026 five-star defensive back, who has the potential to be a plug-and-play guy at the next level.

Jireh Edwards has the Crimson Tide in his top six along with Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Oregon and Texas A&M.

The Tide hosted him for an official visit over the weekend.

Alabama would love to have the talented defensive back in Tuscaloosa for the 2026 football season, and it is obvious why. Edwards is a big safety at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, who can run a 4.4 forty-yard dash. His measurements are head-turning, but his film is enough to make college football coaches drool over his potential.

For the Crimson Tide, they have to be excited about how Edwards could fit into their defensive system, particularly at the Husky role in their secondary. DeVonta Smith occupied this role in 2024 before transferring to Notre Dame.

Smith made an impact by being a physical player as a smaller defensive back by being able to take on blocks and get to ball carriers close to the line of scrimmage and cover fast wide receivers in the slot. He also made plays against the run while crashing down in run support.

These are all tools Edwards appears to have in his toolbox as a bigger safety at the moment than Smith, who is 6-foot. He operates in the slot and inside the box quite frequently for St. Frances Academy. The Panthers likely want him there because of the physicality he plays with and his ability to get to the football with great closing speed.

His reported 4.4 forty time should translate in coverage against fast wideouts, who attempted to stretch the field against him if he was to choose the Tide and being assigned to the position.

5 ⭐️ DB Jireh Edwards @jaygolive1k is a physical safety prospect, who could fit perfectly at Husky for Alabama.

He is physical, strong against the run, can take on blocks and good in coverage.

Tide hosting him for OV this weekend.

Full EP: https://t.co/sZjY1LlW5q pic.twitter.com/xftExP4ZPK

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) June 6, 2025

Edwards remains a player to watch for Alabama.

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