How Alabama’s secondary managed to overcome injuries and improve over the course of the season – touchdown Alabama

Alabama’s secondary took several hits throughout the season, but the group persevered and improved as the season progressed.

Going into the season, the expectation was that the secondary would struggle at times with frequent passing attacks. A big reason for this assumption was the fact that Alabama lost eight defensive backs to either the transfer portal or the NFL during the offseason.

With that in mind, Alabama’s secondary has been able to keep teams in check this season. Only two teams — Auburn and Georgia — have thrown for more than 252 yards this season. The backend was considered unfinished by fans and viewers. Although this was the case early on, the group continued to improve throughout the season.

After starting safety Keon Sabb suffered a season-ending injury following the Tennessee game, it was widely assumed that the secondary would take a step back. Instead, the opposite happened. Second-year safety Bray Hubbard stepped in for Sabb after his injury and did an excellent job replacing him. Senior safeties Malachi Moore and DeVonta Smith continued to lead by example, and that was crucial down the stretch.

Cornerbacks Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown have held their own in one-on-one situations for most of this season. Jackson was considered the top corner of the squad and he continued to perform like that this season. He finished the regular season with seven pass deflections and two interceptions. Brown has developed in many ways over the course of the season. The California native finished the season with two pass deflections, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Both were valuable additions to the secondary school. Other newcomers such as Red Morgan, Jaylen Mbakwe and Zavier Mincey also provided valuable depth at key moments of the season. Overall, I think the secondary has been one of the Crimson Tide’s strengths this season. I have a feeling it will continue to be a bright spot for the Crimson Tide going forward.

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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X via @brodysmoot.