🏈 Nick Saban breaks down roles, adjustments in retooled Alabama secondary

[Michael Casagrande |]

A competition that doesn't draw as much attention as QBs.

There are a few high-profile competitions this spring within the Alabama offense. Of course the quarterback race draws the most attention.

On defense, the most intriguing yet less-talked-about situation involves the most improved facet of the Crimson Tide's 2015 team. There are two starting jobs open with the graduation of cornerback Cyrus Jones and safety Geno Matias-Smith.

Eddie Jackson's spring injury adds another layer to the safety competition in Saturday's scrimmage.

"I like the attitude that the players have," Nick Saban said afterward. "I like the work ethic. They made some plays today and they made some mistakes today."

Saban also ran through a few names and roles Saturday afternoon while noting depth wasn't a strength at this point.

-- Minkah Fitzpatrick: Playing both corner and Star "sometimes"

-- Marlon Humphrey: Cornerback (returning starter)

-- Tony Brown: Star

-- Anthony Averett: "Done a nice job. Really made some improvement" and has been at cornerback.

-- Maurice Smith: Star and safety because of Jackson's injury

Those were just the few he listed after the first of three scrimmages. Players like safety Ronnie Harrison have drawn positive reviews from Saban this spring. Cornerback Kendall Sheffield, a former five-star who redshirted in 2015, was praised by Cyrus Jones among others for his scout-team work last season.

The difficulty level will only rise before Saturday's second rehearsal and the April 16 A-Day game.

"I think this scrimmage was a little simpler than it's going to be most of the time," Saban said. "We wanted to keep it simple so players weren't confused about what they were supposed to do and we could evaluate how they compete, what their toughness is, the kind of attitude they have, what they're trying to do and what kind of effort they give. I was pleased with the group for the most part."

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[Tidestalker]

Seeing as how Tony Brown is on the outside looking in, it looks like that Star position may be up for grabs.

I thought Saban may leave Minkah at Star and plug in another guy at CB - Like Kendell Sheffield. Or let Minkah play regular CB until we go Nickel then move him to Star... But that's asking a lot. Did Javy do that back in the day? Can't remember.

Mo Smith not a bad option as he's got some good experience. More physical than your typical CB, but probably not ever going to be a true cornerback.

Ronnie Harrison almost for sure to retain his role in dime package, right? I'm kind of hoping he wins the safety spot opposite Eddie Jackson, however I could see Mo Smith being competitive.

Avarett is a nice wild card. Tall and fast. Could be a nice option if/when injuries hit... Hopefully a better version of Bradley Sylve.

Defensive Backfield is just stacked with competition. Young guys like Burgess-Becker, Deionte Thompson, waiting in the wings. Sheffield probably going to play somehow/someway this year. Then there are some vets who need to make a move or are destined to be career backups (Avarett, Hootie). Freshman Shy Carter, Shawn Jennings, Jared Mayden on their way in. Lots of depth!