That's fair. But, on the same end, if you look at 2010 (as mentioned below) two of those three were hurt. It's like I've mentioned repeatedly, INJURIES play as muchāand in my opinion moreāof a role in '10.
These defenders say they're motivated by the comparisons to 2010, but that group also didn't lack in talent. It did lack in the leadership department and that's currently a concern for this unit. Linebackers
Nico Johnson,
C.J. Mosley and
Adrian Hubbard are guys who have to step up more and not just lead by example. Veteran safety
Robert Lester will be counted on more and so will senior defensive linemen
Jesse Williams and
Damion Square.
I find it funny that he mentions Robert Lester is going to be "counted on more." A three year starter is now part of a question in terms of being reliable, one you have to look at as being able to handle "being counted on more?" Damion, in his fifth year of the program.
With Nico, CJ, and in a different way Adrian there are legit questions. Not in terms of experience or talent. CJ, as one example, has been in the rotation seeing significant playing time since his freshman year.
It's the "lacking in leadership" I have an issue with. It wasn't the guys starting that we had issues with. It was times where injuries came into play and we were relying on players that were truly green to the system for that leadership.
The secondary is also replacing three regular starters, which could be worrisome at times. The overall talent of this defense is still pretty solid and it'll still be tough to move against the Tide, but for this unit to avoid the mental mistakes that hurt Alabama's defense back in 2010, the maturity level and the leadership has to increase during fall camp.
Again, bringing in 2010 as a comparison. Again, not valid. Just as one example among many, our safeties were just as inexperienced in 2010 as the defensive backsāmore so in fact. While Vinnie didn't register a start last year he played in every game. I've already mentioned Lester. Milliner started in six games and then we'll be looking at someone truly new in Belue.
What's going to be a must in our secondary is for Lester and Sunseri to do their jobs; a safety valve over the top in case a cornerback does commit a mental mistake. Considering both, I feel comfortable.
All of this is liable to get me on an LSU rant in a minute. They talk about the QB position being the key to their loss, and the key to their fall. But, why doesn't anyone actually call it like it was? That was a coaching mistake.
As a fan all I've ever asked for is Alabama to field a team that can compete for national championships. We have that.