Alabama Football: Way-too-early 2022 depth chart projection

9 of 9

Oct 16, 2021; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jordan Battle (9) reacts after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Secondary

Starting cornerbacks: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Eli Ricks
Backups: Khyree Jackson, Terrion Arnold

Starting safeties: Jordan Battle, DeMarcco Hellams
Backups: Daniel Wright, DeVonta Smith

Starting Star: Brian Branch
Backup: Malachi Moore

Like the rest of their defense, there is not a hole to be found in Alabama’s secondary.

Yes, they do lose cornerbacks Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis, but they are going to have capable replacements. The starting safeties return and this is a secondary that is loaded with talent and depth.

At corner, look for star freshman Kool-Aid McKinstry to build upon what was a really good true freshman season. McKinstry is going to be the next first-round corner at Alabama and is due for a big season. On the opposite side, LSU transfer Eli Ricks is going to be starting and he was playing at an All-American level in 2020. If Ricks is back to that form, this is going to be the best corner duo in the country.

Safety is going to see two familiar faces for Alabama in Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams. These were the two starters this year and they opted to return to Tuscaloosa instead of entering the NFL Draft. At star, both Brian Branch and Malachi Moore are big-time players and offer more elite play in the secondary.

Next. Way-too-early Top 25 rankings projections for 2022. dark

Home/Alabama Crimson Tide