Fall camp for the University of Alabama football team starts on Wednesday, July 31, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The athletes are scheduled to report to camp on Tuesday, July 30, as Kalen DeBoer and his coaching staff looks to produce a national champion in this team. In this series, leading into the first practice, the staff at Touchdown Alabama Magazine will break down starting jobs that are up for grabs.
Competition will be marquee in practice, and DeBoer is only putting the best on the field.
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We have looked at left tackle, right tackle, and cornerback, but now it is time to break down who starts for the Crimson Tide at the ‘Husky’ position on defense.
DeVonta Smith
He endured a foot injury that caused him to miss time in 2023, but DeVonta Smith is healthy now for Alabama.
A former four-star in the 2021 signing class, Smith was a coveted cornerback from La Salle High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Smith played in four games last year, but he has 23 games of experience under his belt. The 6-foot, 194-pounder saw his first action versus Kentucky in the 2023 season and helped the Crimson Tide defeat Georgia for a Southeastern Conference Championship. He brings toughness, energy, leadership, and physicality to a secondary that needs it in the fall.
Smith is the ideal body type at the ‘Husky’ position. Kane Wommack, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, highlighted Smith’s physical tools and skill set during spring practice. He likes what the redshirt junior brings to the table on defense.
If he stays healthy, Smith will be a force on the back end for Alabama.
Red Morgan
Red Morgan, a freshman, can play ‘Husky’ or safety for the Crimson Tide.
He had an incredible high school career as a safety at Central High School in Phenix City, Ala.
Morgan totaled 50 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, four pass breakups, and two interceptions for a program in 2022 that captured a 10-3 record and made the Class 7A state semifinals of the playoffs. The 6-foot, 175-pounder enrolled early for spring practice at the University of Alabama and impressed coaches and teammates. Colin Hitschler, the Tide’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, raved about Morgan’s athleticism. Kalen DeBoer highlighted Morgan as someone that would at least two to three incredible plays in each practice. Malachi Moore and DeVonta Smith see Morgan as being special in the future for the Tide.
Morgan has a chance to beat out Keon Sabb for the starting role at free safety, but he’s also competing against Smith for Husky.
Predicted Winner: DeVonta Smith
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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.
