Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College Football Playoff National Championship: Who has edge at each position?

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide long snapper Cole Mazza (55) prepares to snap the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide long snapper Cole Mazza (55) prepares to snap the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 9
Next
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) intercepts the ball from Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) intercepts the ball from Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Secondary

Yet again, the Crimson Tide have been college football’s premier program in terms of recruiting, and it shows once again in the secondary. Nick Saban has just killed recruiting and he’s just as good of a developer which is why the Tide have been so dominant over the past decade.

Marlon Humphrey could just be the best cornerback in college football and he’s looking to make the big plays in the secondary. He’s quick and athletic and has a knack for clutch situations. Minkah Fitzpatrick is also one of the best defensive backs in the country. However, they’re facing one of the best receiving units in football.

Don’t sleep on Dabo Swinney’s unit, though. Although the Tide have the big names, Clemson’s unit is athletic and deep. In fact, Cordrea Tankersley might just be one of the best cornerbacks Alabama has faced all season — and they’ve taken on guys like Quincy Wilson and Teez Tabor.

Tankersley is a lockdown talent who has the potential to be a first-rounder. He’s the leader of that defensive backfield along with Jadar Johnson and Van Smith. Those three names will be something to watch as the game progresses, going against guys like ArDarius Stewart, Calvin Ridley and O.J. Howard.

Still, have to give it to the Crimson Tide here as well.

Edge: Alabama

Home/College Football Playoff