Aaron Suttles
TideSports.com Senior Writer
No other position group has been discussed more over the past two seasons, and for good reason. In the seventh installment of an eight-part series counting down to the start of fall camp for the University of Alabama football program, The Tuscaloosa News examines the secondary. With a new coach (Mel Tucker) in tow, the secondary looks to rebound from a subpar 2014, especially the last three games of the season.
Tony Brown should see his role at corner continue to expand this year.
Starters
Consistency is the word for the secondary this season and any discussion of the secondary begins with senior cornerback Cyrus Jones, who was by far the most consistent cornerback last season. It wasn't long ago the talented athlete was asked to move from wide receiver to the secondary. After some learning curves, Jones found his stride last season. It's his secondary this year. After Eddie Jackson made the switch from cornerback to safety, sophomore Tony Brown made his move towards a starting position at the corner opposite Jones. Senior Geno Smith has played at corner and at the Star defensive back position, but he'll begin 2015 at safety. It's also fair to mention that Alabama plays a lot of nickel and dime defense, so starters and reserves mix.
Reserves
Bradley Sylve saw action at cornerback in 2014 and is a sturdy back-up. Maurice Smith and Jabriel Washington are also a player the coaching staff can turn to in the secondary. Marlon Humphrey redshirted in his freshman season in 2014, and fans are anxious to see his development physically and in the defense. True freshman Ronnie Harrison turned heads and drew positive reviews from his coach and teammates during the spring. Hootie Jones earned playing time as a special teams contributor in 2014 as did Anthony Averett. Deionte Thompson experimented at wide receiver during the spring.
Overview
Tucker has come in and immediately earned the respect and admiration of his players, and that goes a long way. In the age of hurry-up, no-huddle offenses, more consistent play in the secondary in necessary. Losing Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Landon Collins early to the NFL Draft the last two seasons has dealt the safety position a blow, but there is talent on the roster.
- See more at: https://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1789023#sthash.QWOD8Zrg.dpuf
TideSports.com Senior Writer
No other position group has been discussed more over the past two seasons, and for good reason. In the seventh installment of an eight-part series counting down to the start of fall camp for the University of Alabama football program, The Tuscaloosa News examines the secondary. With a new coach (Mel Tucker) in tow, the secondary looks to rebound from a subpar 2014, especially the last three games of the season.
Tony Brown should see his role at corner continue to expand this year.
Starters
Consistency is the word for the secondary this season and any discussion of the secondary begins with senior cornerback Cyrus Jones, who was by far the most consistent cornerback last season. It wasn't long ago the talented athlete was asked to move from wide receiver to the secondary. After some learning curves, Jones found his stride last season. It's his secondary this year. After Eddie Jackson made the switch from cornerback to safety, sophomore Tony Brown made his move towards a starting position at the corner opposite Jones. Senior Geno Smith has played at corner and at the Star defensive back position, but he'll begin 2015 at safety. It's also fair to mention that Alabama plays a lot of nickel and dime defense, so starters and reserves mix.
Reserves
Bradley Sylve saw action at cornerback in 2014 and is a sturdy back-up. Maurice Smith and Jabriel Washington are also a player the coaching staff can turn to in the secondary. Marlon Humphrey redshirted in his freshman season in 2014, and fans are anxious to see his development physically and in the defense. True freshman Ronnie Harrison turned heads and drew positive reviews from his coach and teammates during the spring. Hootie Jones earned playing time as a special teams contributor in 2014 as did Anthony Averett. Deionte Thompson experimented at wide receiver during the spring.
Overview
Tucker has come in and immediately earned the respect and admiration of his players, and that goes a long way. In the age of hurry-up, no-huddle offenses, more consistent play in the secondary in necessary. Losing Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Landon Collins early to the NFL Draft the last two seasons has dealt the safety position a blow, but there is talent on the roster.
- See more at: https://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1789023#sthash.QWOD8Zrg.dpuf
