Alabama Crimson Tide Defensive Players To Watch vs. Texas A&M

Alabama must replace the production of Will Anderson, Brian Branch and others, along with countless others offensively.

New year, same Alabama mentality.

The No. 11 Crimson Tide might not possess one of college football's more dangerous passing attacks. They might be limited in play-calling under first-year coordinator Tommy Rees.

Then again, when a defense headlined by a potent secondary and improving run defense stands on the other side, you only need to score so many points to secure a win.

Since the 34-24 loss to No. 3 Texas in Week 2, Alabama has rebounded, primarily on the defensive front. Teams have averaged 10 points per game over the past three matchups. Quarterbacks have combined for one touchdown against five interceptions. Outside of two 20-plus runs from Ole Miss' Quinshon Judkins and South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown, the run game has been obsolete.

There's a middle ground when discussing Alabama's defense under Kevin Steele in 2023. South Florida and Mississippi State aren't world-beaters in the passing attack, averaging less than 250 yards per game. Ole Miss, which ranks ninth nationally in passing and sixth in scoring (44.6 points per game), is, yet the Crimson Tide held Lane Kiffin's roster to 10 points and just over 300 yards.

Texas A&M has thrived at Kyle Field, primarily through the air with Max Johnson and Conner Weigman. Through three home games, the Aggies are averaging 3.5 touchdowns and 42 points per game.

Will that be enough for A&M to secure its second win over Nick Saban in College Station?

Follow along with AllAggies.com as we preview every aspect of A&M's matchup with the Crimson Tide throughout the week. Before diving in, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff on Oct. 7.

Now, let's take a look at several players to watch for on defense.

CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

He's had to build off his sophomore success, but there's a reason McKinstry is drawing first-round buzz entering the midway point. He was a shutdown defender on the boundary, eliminating No. 1 receivers in the SEC on Saturdays, and he's done the same this season in Tuscaloosa.

McKinstry ranks top-five in pass breakups (four) through five games among SEC defenders. Per Pro Football Focus, the 6-1, 195-pound defender ranks sixth in overall coverage and 11th when playing man. He's a play away from turning the corner and taking one back to the house for an easy six points against any quarterback on Saturdays. 

CB Terrion Arnold

What's better than one shutdown corner? How about two that can line up anywhere on the field? Arnold would likely be a team's top cover man if McKinstry weren't such a premier talent on the boundary, and he's lived up to the billing.

A sophomore, Arnold has five pass breakups and an interception through five games. He's also been exceptional when defending the run, totaling 15 tackles and two for loss.

OLB Dallas Turner

Exit Will Anderson, enter Dallas Turner. He's the next future first-rounder to become a staple on a Sunday defense after winning one-on-one matchups against offensive tackles in the SEC.

Last season, Turner finished second in sacks (4) with defensive lineman Byron Young and third in tackles for loss (8.0 Per PFF, his 21 hurries were tied with his outside linebacker counterpart Chris Braswell.

This season, Turner has totaled 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in five contests. Teams have begun to double-team to make him less of a factor, yet to little avail. He's set for a breakout season and could follow in Anderson's footsteps as this year's Bronko Nagurski winner with continued success.

DB Malachi Moore

Moore is a playmaker; it's that simple. He can line up anywhere in the secondary and find success, as evident by his snap count through the first half of the season. Per PFF, 243 of his reps have come from the nickel position, but he's also found a role at both the strong (43 snaps) and free safety (14 snaps) spot.