Alabama Football: 5 former players the Tide will miss most in 2019
By Dakota Cox
2. Deionte Thompson
Alabama’s secondary will likely be the strength of the defense this season. With players like Xavier McKinney and Patrick Surtain returning and Trevon Diggs returning from injury, the defensive backs position will be incredibly strong. The only thing that would make it better is a proven free safety.
Thompson at free safety gave Alabama freedom they hadn’t had since Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. He could play as a single high safety and act like a center fielder. His range and ability to close on the ball helped the Tide be able to blitz more freely and press on outside coverage.
It will be very important for someone to fill in that safety position to replace Thompson. Right now, I believe there are five defensive backs on the roster who have proven themselves immensely. The only problem is that none of them play free safety.
The expected starter is Jared Mayden. It is crucial that he has a good year. If not, Saban might consider moving another corner to safety. He has done this before with some players. Whether it’s Shy Carter, Josh Jobe, or Surtain, someone might move to safety.
The best scenario for Alabama is that Mayden steps up and becomes the next safety star for Alabama. We will just have to wait and see if that ends up being the case this season.