Saban’s Specialty: Alabama’s Revamped Secondary in 2023

The Crimson Tide lost three starters from its defensive back group a season ago — but looks to be in good hands this season with new energy and veteran contributors.

Alabama Athletics

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — When thinking of Alabama head coach Nick Saban, there’s one position group that always comes to mind — the secondary.

More likely than not, it’s because Saban himself was a defensive back in his playing days. The 5-foot-6, legendary leader played at Kent State from 1970-1972.

Since then, he’s been coaching them. Saban was the DB coach at West Virginia from 1978-1979. He coached them at Ohio State the following year — and at Navy the next. During his time as defensive coordinator at Michigan State, he specialized with the defensive backs. He even coached the secondary at the NFL level for the Houston Oilers in 1988-89.

During his time in Tuscaloosa, Saban has produced numerous defensive backs to the NFL. He’s about to add three more to that list with last year’s crop of Brian Branch, Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams.

Now, under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, the Crimson Tide looks to have a dominant unit again in 2023-24.

Cornerbacks

Every good secondary has to have elite, big-play-ability cornerbacks on the outside.

I believe Alabama has that this season in Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold.

McKinstry is a no-doubter. He’s been on the field since late in his freshman season and has racked up a ton of game experience — including an SEC championship and national championship against Georgia in 2021-22.

He was sprinkled all across All-America teams after last season’s 35 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a team-high 15 pass breakups.

He had just one interception against Austin Peay — but had another in a huge spot against Tennessee that was controversially called back late.

We did see McKinstry get called for plenty of untimely pass interference calls, but that’s bound to happen on your No. 1 corner late in games. There aren’t many cornerbacks in the country, if any, that I’d rather have over McKinstry.

“It's crazy because the first two years here I was around guys who [had] been here for a while and knew exactly what was going on and how to do things,” McKinstry said. “But now, I’m that guy to help lead on the younger guys.”

Say what you want about Arnold, but I think he made strides in his first year starting a season ago. Making Freshman All-American and All-SEC, Arnold made seven starts and compiled eight pass breakups and an interception. With Bryce Young out and perhaps the season on the line against Texas A&M on Oct. 8, Arnold saved the day with a breakup in the end zone as time expired.

I’d say that’s a solid year for a guy playing his first snaps. He is set to be even better this year.

“I’m very confident in Terrion, very happy to have him on the other side of [me],” McKinstry said. “I’m very comfortable with having him on the other side of me. That’s how I feel. I feel good about that.”

Malachi Moore

This might be my favorite story of the year.

Malachi Moore started as the Crimson Tide’s slot corner in its national championship-winning season in 2020-21. He was a freshman and had an immediate impact, forcing four turnovers — including a team-high three interceptions. He also had a touchdown.

After a season-ending injury and an incredible performance from the aforementioned Branch in the playoff semifinal win over Notre Dame, Moore lost his starting job for the next two seasons.

Remarkably, he has avoided the portal the last two years and is primed to take his spot back as a senior on this year’s defense.

It’s really an amazing full circle moment and opportunity for Moore — and I expect him to take full advantage.

Safeties

There’s no doubt this will be the most unproven group on the Alabama defense in 2023-24.

With both of last year’s starters gone, including a captain — there are big shoes to fill. To me, it’s going to be Kristian Story and Caleb Downs.

I like Story’s experience of being a part of the program. He’s been in Tuscaloosa since 2020 and has seen high-quality players play the position in front of him.

The only question is if he can do it himself — which will be determined if he gets the nod.

Downs is coming in with sky-high expectations — which probably has a lot to do with me. I’ve been super high on him since his decision to join the Crimson Tide over Georgia on Early Signing Day.

He’s going to be special for the next three years. I will keep manifesting it until it happens.

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