On the defensive side of the football, the secondary will be the strength for the Crimson Tide this season. They have the perfect combination of young talent and seasoned veterans in the unit. One of the older guys that will be a key piece for Alabama is Shy Carter, a senior corner for the Tide.
Carter was a great corner for Alabama last year. He was able to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and deep in the passing game. He also got two interceptions, both of which he returned to the house for touchdowns.
In 2019, expect Carter to play as the STAR defensive back in nickel packages. He might not see the field every play, but Alabama likes to run a lot of nickel. He will also have to fight off Josh Jobe, a young corner on the rise.
Carter’s role will depend on the success of the other pieces around him. If Jared Mayden doesn’t pan out at safety, Carter might step in to start at the free safety position. Even if it’s not him, the depth at corner would allow someone like Diggs or Surtain to step in at safety, and Carter could fill in their role.
Carter showed a lot of growth as the season progressed in 2018. Some minor injuries kept him from showing who he could be in the spring, and it might have opened the door for Jobe to steal some of his reps. Either way, he will have a big impact as they rotate defensive backs this year.