As Alabama football’s preseason camp nears its conclusion, the competition at the cornerback position has emerged as a focal point.
The Crimson Tide faces the challenge of replacing both of last season’s starting cornerbacks, Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry, who have departed for the NFL. The situation is further complicated by the loss of key depth players to the transfer portal.
Following Alabama’s second preseason scrimmage, held on Saturday, head coach Kalen DeBoer provided insights into the progress of the cornerback group. He expressed satisfaction with their performance, noting their improved coverage skills and awareness on the field.
“I thought they were really on top of receivers all day long,” DeBoer said. “They understand the responsibilities to be in the right position. I’m sure there are a couple of clips we can find. That’s always going to be the case where they could have been better. But really nothing as far as busted assignments. I think they continue to get better each and every day. They’re practicing out there. They really want to do it. There’s a high level of want to. They know a lot of eyes are on them. I’m really proud of the way they continue to bring it each and every day.”
Saturday’s scrimmage was notably physical, with the cornerbacks showing their ability to make critical tackles and deliver solid hits.
DeBoer highlighted their performance, saying:
“I thought they had times they had a tackle to make and got guys to the ground. Laid some hits on some guys running routes, both receivers, tight ends. A lot of good things from that group. They continue to grow. They continue to improve each and every day and each and every week.”
Alabama’s current cornerback group includes experienced transfers like Domani Jones from Southern Cal and DaShawn Jones from Wake Forest, alongside promising young talents like Jaylen Mbakwe, Zavier Mincey, and freshman standout Zabien Brown.
Brown, despite practicing with a club on his left hand due to an injury, has drawn particular praise from DeBoer for his resilience and consistency.
“His consistency, he’s obviously still young and learning every single day working through his injury early on,” DeBoer remarked. “But I guess I’m just super proud of how he’s done that. I think there might be some guys that would’ve taken themselves, maybe not from practice but from certain drills or certain reps. He has certainly shown a toughness about him by going out there and competing and really not missing anything as far as what we have approved him to do from a doctor’s standpoint.”
Alabama continues its preseason preparations with practice resuming on Tuesday, as the team looks ahead to its season opener against Western Kentucky on August 31 in Tuscaloosa.
