🏈 This year's Minkah Fitzpatrick? Alabama freshman DB making early impression

[Matt Zenitz |]

"He really thinks he can come in and help the Alabama defense. He really does."

Ole Miss already had two of the top four players in this year's recruiting class — five-star quarterback Shea Patterson and five-star offensive tackle Greg Little.

That was part of the Rebels' pitch to Shyheim Carter during the buildup to National Signing Day: You can complete the Big Three and give our class three headliners like we had in 2013 with Robert Nkemdiche, Laremy Tunsil and Laquon Treadwell.

Ole Miss coaches told Carter, a four-star cornerback, that he was one of the players they coveted the most in this year's class.

But Carter chose Alabama, and at least some people inside the Tide program believe the 6-foot, 190-pound Louisiana native could be the 2016 version of Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Why's that significant? Fitzpatrick beat out multiple veterans for Alabama's nickel back job as a freshman last year and went on to establish himself as one of the SEC's top young defensive backs.

Tide All-American safety Eddie Jackson was asked recently which Alabama freshmen have made the biggest impression during the team's summer workouts. He mentioned three. The first two: Carter and fellow freshman defensive back Aaron Robinson.

"They can take the coaching, and they come in and compete," Jackson said. "They play fast. If they make a mistake, you come tell them about it and coach them up. They do it right the next time."

Dynamic and versatile

This is the former "Marcus Mariota of Louisiana high school football."

Carter's high school coach, Jonathan Foster, began calling him that leading into Carter's senior season last fall.

Carter was that good as a quarterback. The two-time Louisiana Class 1A Offensive MVP threw for 2,443 yards, ran for 1,648 yards and accounted for 30 offensive touchdowns as a senior while also posting 57 tackles and five interceptions on defense.

A good Carter story?

He suffered a torn meniscus one day before his team, Kentwood, faced two-time defending state champion Haynesville in the state championship game last season.

Carter couldn't run, but he insisted on playing and told Foster before the game, "I'll give you whatever I've got." The result? Carter threw for 235 yards and four touchdowns in leading Kentwood to a 40-7 win.

While there were likely teams interested in Carter as a quarterback, running back or wide receiver, he decided early in high school that he wanted to play defensive back in college.

Alabama was the first SEC school to offer Carter a scholarship, extending the offer after Carter impressed at a Tide camp in June 2014.

Carter committed to Alabama a month later. He decommitted last August before eventually re-pledging to the Tide on National Signing Day in February.

"We've had (him) in camp here for a couple years," coach Nick Saban said. "We really know him well. Great person. Very smart. Good athlete. ... Probably could play corner or safety. Either one."

Making an early impression

A great compliment for Carter? There are at least some around the Alabama program comparing him to Fitzpatrick because of some Fitzpatrick-like characteristics that have been on display this summer. In addition to obvious physical ability, Carter, the father of two young children, has impressed people inside the program with his maturity, work ethic and ability to learn quickly.

It's why there's a growing belief internally that Carter will be a significant factor in the competition to be the Tide's nickel back, the spot Fitzpatrick thrived at as a freshman last year.

"He's a humble kid and a smart kid, and I'm not just saying that because I'm his coach," Foster said. "And you'll see. He's not going to let the hype get to him. Even if he comes in as a freshman playing in the SEC, a lot of kids would let that get to their head, but Shyheim's going to stay grounded. I guarantee you."

"He's ready to compete"

After playing both safety and cornerback in high school, Carter has played both spots this summer with Alabama, though he has worked primarily at free safety during the team's 7-on-7 sessions in recent weeks.

At free safety, Carter had a standout moment during a recent 7-on-7.

It was Carter vs. Tide star wide receiver Calvin Ridley.

Ridley ran a deep post down the middle of the field. Carter had to pick him up and stick with him. A lot of defensive backs would get embarrassed in that situation. Ridley, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds during the spring, is one of Alabama's fastest players and probably one of the faster wide receivers in the country. But Carter kept up with Ridley, remaining close as Ridley worked down the field. The tight coverage contributed to a pass for Ridley being off-target and falling incomplete.

"He really thinks he can contribute this year," Carter's high school offensive coordinator, Cornelius Blount, said. "Redshirting hasn't even crossed his mind. He really thinks he can come in and help the Alabama defense. He really does."
AL.com reports ...

 

[BamaFan334]

Good lord, two kids? Hope he accomplishes everything he wishes for their sake.

On a football note, I look forward to seeing him participate in the open practices. It would be a true blessing to have another Minkah on the team. He had his growing pains, but he clearly outperformed what the experts expected and probably most fans expected as well.

 

[TUSKtimes]

It gives you a better feel for why our DB ranks were thinning out a little. Redshirt freshman, Kendall Sheffield, is projected at Cyrus Jones old corner slot allowing Fitzpatrick to stay at his nickel slot. Sheffield was scheduled to run track as a sprinter last season, as he redshirted, not sure what he got done there. But speed, speed, speed is now the order of the day at DB and safety. With Carter and Knotts, Aaron Robinson is showing out and Mayden, Jennings, some of these kids are projecting an ability to come in and back up some of these starters. If we can ever get Tony Brown back on the field he looks like a complete fit at safety with his very physical style. Have we ever had this much speed and talent in the back half of our D, in the Saban era?

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Love reading this stuff.

 

[TerryP]

Kendall Sheffield, is projected at Cyrus Jones old corner slot allowing

By whom?

 

[Tidestalker]

Good article. Thanks for posting.

The 2 kid thing is interesting... Seems like when they have a kid (or kids), the young man can really grow up quickly. Seen it both ways with some of the guys I've coached.

Trent Richardson came in and handled himself like a grown man from start to finish. After college he seemed to have a different approach, but clearly he was motivated to support his family while at UA.

I'm super optimistic to hear both Robinson and Carter are doing well. No doubt in my mind a freshman DB will have to play this year, especially if Mo Smith is out. Ironic that Eddie Jackson was the player interviewed, since the Robinson signing was kind of like Eddie's (except for the flip). We hadn't heard a peep about Robinson throughout the process, but at the last minute Saban made room for a lesser-known, taller, Florida DB that could be at either DB spot.

Can't wait for camp to start!! So many good story-lines this year. DB, RB, QB, DL, LB, all have snaps up for grabs. RTR!!

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Kendall Sheffield, is projected at Cyrus Jones old corner slot.

Significant snippage, and thanks for the post.

I defended Cyrus for two years to other fans and my best friend with whom I share my ticket allotment. He thought he was worthless, and constantly getting burned. I say that to emphasize the margin between a great corner and an oft-burned "bacon" is razor thin - and to stress that a troubled corner can make a helluva safety.

The developments in the secondary tell me (correct me if I'm wrong) that we are moving from A to A+ in talent and ability. We bitch about a de-commit, but those guys run when they see a box canyon.

I like where we are. I intend to remain a Bama fan. I will add, personally, that son number three (aka, "the boy") has chosen Jax State as his college domain. Gratefully, the photo below is proof that I qualify for in-state tuition. We attended two games there last year, and it's one of the best small college football atmospheres in the nation. The band is better than most SEC bands, and a 25-30M stadium sets it all up nicely. @Big_Fan , if you're still out there, it's a good place to leave a young 'un.

RTR,

Tim

 

[Tidestalker]

Significant snippage, and thanks for the post.

I defended Cyrus for two years to other fans and my best friend with whom I share my ticket allotment. He thought he was worthless, and constantly getting burned. I say that to emphasize the margin between a great corner and and oft-burned "bacon" is razor thin - and to stress that that a troubled corner can make a helluva safety.

The developments in the secondary tell me (correct me if I'm wrong) that we are moving from A to A+ in talent and ability. We bitch about a de-commit, but those guys run when they see a box canyon.

I like where we are. I intend to remain a Bama fan. I will add, personally, that son number three (aka, "the boy") has chosen Jax State as his college domain. Gratefully, the photo below is proof that I qualify for in-state tuition. We attended two games there last year, and it's one of the best small college football atmospheres in the nation. The band is better than most SEC bands, and a 25-30M stadium sets it all up nicely. @Big_Fan , if you're still out there, it's a good place to leave a young 'un.

RTR,

Tim

Agreed on Cyrus... The guys I watch the games with were always on his ass. I thought he did better than expected his first year, since he got plugged in straight from WR as a freshman. Next year he did good things but got burnt. Then last year he made a ton of big plays.

Thing I always liked about him is that he was aggressive. Had an attitude. At his size he had to... And once he got the experience, he was special. Gonna miss watching him!

 

[TerryP]

I defended Cyrus for two years to other fans

The guys I watch the games with were always on his ass.

I, like Tim mentions, spent a few minutes over the years defending Cyrus (as well as Eddie when people were on him.) One play seemed to taint opinions over the stretch of a season with both guys.

Yet, there was one beat writer (Walsh) who took the time to point out their efficiency at the position. He did it weekly, but it certainly went unnoticed. In about every game Cyrus was the most efficient. Fans thinking one thing ... coaches using their grading scale to judge performances ... and the two don't see eye to eye.

 

[TUSKtimes]

I, like Tim mentions, spent a few minutes over the years defending Cyrus (as well as Eddie when people were on him.) One play seemed to taint opinions over the stretch of a season with both guys.

Yet, there was one beat writer (Walsh) who took the time to point out their efficiency at the position. He did it weekly, but it certainly went unnoticed. In about every game Cyrus was the most efficient. Fans thinking one thing ... coaches using their grading scale to judge performances ... and the two don't see eye to eye.

Just curious, what did you think of the technique the D-backs were using in the 2013-12014 seasons? The most disappointing thing was watching our cornerbacks and safeties not getting their heads around at the point of the catch. Watching Cyrus eyeball Cook for the interception against Sparty was a perfect demo on how to do it. The pick 6's all season would be many other.

 

[TerryP]

Just curious, what did you think of the technique the D-backs were using in the 2013-12014 seasons? The most disappointing thing was watching our cornerbacks and safeties not getting their heads around at the point of the catch. Watching Cyrus eyeball Cook for the interception against Sparty was a perfect demo on how to do it.

It's the same technique that's been taught since day one; in phase versus out of phase. If the DB's shoulder isn't in front of the WR's shoulder, they are taught not to turn and look.

If they don't have that position they're more likely to lose position/coverage and they get out of phase when they do turn around and look. Now, if they have the right position both vertically and horizontally...in phase...they're turning and looking.

I've seen many complain about fade route coverage, red zone coverage, and the DB's turning their heads. There's a time element there that most don't consider. Then we're seeing them play the ball through the WR's hands (leading to PBU's we saw with guys like Foster last year)...falls into what they've been taught in those fundamental drills.

Sometimes they're right, sometimes they're wrong. One thing I've tried to point out is we're going to see the defense burned a few times each year. It comes with this type of defense. But overall ...

Still curious ... where did you catch this?

Redshirt freshman, Kendall Sheffield, is projected at Cyrus Jones

 

[TUSKtimes]

Significant snippage, and thanks for the post.

I defended Cyrus for two years to other fans and my best friend with whom I share my ticket allotment. He thought he was worthless, and constantly getting burned. I say that to emphasize the margin between a great corner and an oft-burned "bacon" is razor thin - and to stress that a troubled corner can make a helluva safety.

The developments in the secondary tell me (correct me if I'm wrong) that we are moving from A to A+ in talent and ability. We bitch about a de-commit, but those guys run when they see a box canyon.

I like where we are. I intend to remain a Bama fan. I will add, personally, that son number three (aka, "the boy") has chosen Jax State as his college domain. Gratefully, the photo below is proof that I qualify for in-state tuition. We attended two games there last year, and it's one of the best small college football atmospheres in the nation. The band is better than most SEC bands, and a 25-30M stadium sets it all up nicely. @Big_Fan , if you're still out there, it's a good place to leave a young 'un.

RTR,

Tim

It's definitely the way I'm feeling about the talent at the position. They are ball-hawking and disruptive and as Da'Shawn
Hand famously put it, "he's fast, Usain Bolt fast." Certainly, two positions at Alabama have been incredibly dominant during Saban's reign, LB and running back. It feels a lot like the DB's are catching up.

 

[TUSKtimes]

It's the same technique that's been taught since day one; in phase versus out of phase. If the DB's shoulder isn't in front of the WR's shoulder, they are taught not to turn and look.

If they don't have that position they're more likely to lose position/coverage and they get out of phase when they do turn around and look. Now, if they have the right position both vertically and horizontally...in phase...they're turning and looking.

I've seen many complain about fade route coverage, red zone coverage, and the DB's turning their heads. There's a time element there that most don't consider. Then we're seeing them play the ball through the WR's hands (leading to PBU's we saw with guys like Foster last year)...falls into what they've been taught in those fundamental drills.

Sometimes they're right, sometimes they're wrong. One thing I've tried to point out is we're going to see the defense burned a few times each year. It comes with this type of defense. But overall ...

Still curious ... where did you catch this?

We saw the defense burned but we didn't see those Mike Evans, Sammy Coates type onslaughts. And Marlon was out of position some. But this year it looked a lot more about growing pains and the DBs did a better job in their recovery mode overall. Cyrus was much more consistent at the point of attack. I'm more than willing to give Mel Tucker along with much better athletes credit for an improved product on the field.

As far as Sheffield, I don't feel it's any one article I've read that makes me favor him for the job. I like Cyrus mentoring and what players have said about him being hardnosed and hungry. I like his track pedigree and there was one article I read that talked about what Kirby and Mel thought of his progress. I like his time in the system as a redshirt. Cyrus in this article said it best, this fall camp will decide it. Obviously, I like him.

'The sky's the limit'

 

[TerryP]

We saw the defense burned but we didn't see those Mike Evans, Sammy Coates type onslaughts. And Marlon was out of position some. But this year it looked a lot more about growing pains and the DBs did a better job in their recovery mode overall. Cyrus was much more consistent at the point of attack. I'm more than willing to give Mel Tucker along with much better athletes credit for an improved product on the field.

You're touching on one part that skews the numbers a bit. Teams with the Mike Evans haven't been able to run the ball effectively. It tends to slant the numbers a bit (IE: passing defense numbers from 2016 had Bama ranked #30 out of 128.)

I tend to pay attention to Pass efficiency. Top ten team last year in that category. What was it last season? 19 INT's to 17 TD's allowed?

 

[TerryP]

As far as Sheffield, I don't feel it's any one article I've read that makes me favor him for the job. I like Cyrus mentoring and what players have said about him being hardnosed and hungry. I like his track pedigree and there was one article I read that talked about what Kirby and Mel thought of his progress. I like his time in the system as a redshirt. Cyrus in this article said it best, this fall camp will decide it. Obviously, I like him.

So, "projected" was a bit of hyperbole on your part. That's OK in my book. We all have kids we're watching.

@Tidestalker and I got into this a few months ago. I'm thinking the player that a lot of people are overlooking is Averett. As a sophomore he was filling that special teams role we've seen out of so many defensive backs. While he wasn't making a lot of tackles, he wasn't out of position. Personally, I had him running with the 2's in our CB rotation leaving spring camp. The move of Mo (if that happens) puts a new wrinkle in the whole matter.

All I'm saying ... don't be too quick to make a determination on who fills what role. I'm seeing a few shake-ups looking for that best group of five (or six).

 

[BamaFan334]

So, "projected" was a bit of hyperbole on your part. That's OK in my book. We all have kids we're watching.

@Tidestalker and I got into this a few months ago. I'm thinking the player that a lot of people are overlooking is Averett. As a sophomore he was filling that special teams role we've seen out of so many defensive backs. While he wasn't making a lot of tackles, he wasn't out of position. Personally, I had him running with the 2's in our CB rotation leaving spring camp. The move of Mo (if that happens) puts a new wrinkle in the whole matter.

All I'm saying ... don't be too quick to make a determination on who fills what role. I'm seeing a few shake-ups looking for that best group of five (or six).

Guilty as charged of overlooking Averett. He was not even on my radar, but you guys have opened my eyes to him.

 

[TUSKtimes]

You're touching on one part that skews the numbers a bit. Teams with the Mike Evans haven't been able to run the ball effectively. It tends to slant the numbers a bit (IE: passing defense numbers from 2016 had Bama ranked #30 out of 128.)

I tend to pay attention to Pass efficiency. Top ten team last year in that category. What was it last season? 19 INT's to 17 TD's allowed?

I pay attention too, but it ain't replacing what I saw. Numbers can add up in a lot of different ways and a heap of odd packages. When it comes to talent against talent in a big boy fight it's the eye test for me. My eyes say against certain passing teams we got our a$$ handed to us on the backside, in a way that said nothing you can do about it. Aggies were catching wounded ducks from Manzell like it was a fair catch. Evans and the gang were catching short passes and taking them to the house. Trickett of WV took the top off our defense and continued to complete screen passes at will. And as much as I enjoy any win of any kind against the barn, it's still painful to watch Nick Marshall in that shootout.

We were freshmen young and that accounts for some of the deeper stuff we gave up this past season. But they were giving as good as that got in takeaways and scores. Eddie Jackson 1st team All-SEC. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Freshman 1st team All-American. Marlon Humphrey, Freshman All-SEC. Times, they are a-changing back there.

 

[TUSKtimes]

So, "projected" was a bit of hyperbole on your part. That's OK in my book. We all have kids we're watching.

@Tidestalker and I got into this a few months ago. I'm thinking the player that a lot of people are overlooking is Averett. As a sophomore he was filling that special teams role we've seen out of so many defensive backs. While he wasn't making a lot of tackles, he wasn't out of position. Personally, I had him running with the 2's in our CB rotation leaving spring camp. The move of Mo (if that happens) puts a new wrinkle in the whole matter.

All I'm saying ... don't be too quick to make a determination on who fills what role. I'm seeing a few shake-ups looking for that best group of five (or six).

I like Averett too. Nice to know the next guys up have the credentials, and kinda exciting to contemplate the possibilities.