Alabama Football: Filling Holes at Cornerback Key for Spring Practice

One of the biggest storylines in the upcoming spring practices for the defending national champions will be which players step up to fill the vacancies in the secondary at both corner spots.

Both starting corners from last season—Dre Kirkpatrick and Dequan Menzie—are preparing for the upcoming NFL draft.

Their departure means that a handful of players will be battling for not only a coveted role as a starter, but for an opportunity to enhance their chance to reach the next level.   

Since Nick Saban has taken over as Alabama’s head coach, earning a starting nod at corner for the Crimson Tide is equivalent to an internship that punches a ticket for an NFL roster spot.

Kareem Jackson, Javier Arenas and Marquis Johnson, amongst others, have all found homes at the next level after starring in the secondary during their time in Tuscaloosa, with Kirkpatrick and Menzie set to join them in a few months. 

Alabama’s defense last season was historically great despite registering only 30 sacks on the season (fourth-best in the SEC).

With the team’s top three leaders in sacks departing, the importance of replacing the losses in the secondary becomes magnified. 

With spring practice set to begin next month, the front-runners appear to be rising juniors DeMarcus "Dee" Milliner and John Fulton. 

Milliner in particular figures to have a leg up on one spot after a strong sophomore campaign that saw him record a team-high three interceptions and nine pass breakups. 

However, incoming JUCO transfers Travell Dixon and Deion Belue will ensure that neither gets too comfortable until September.

Both Dixon and Belue were a part of the group of 2012 class members that enrolled in January, which means they will take part in spring drills and offer the Tide coaching staff another pair of bodies with experience beyond the high school level.  

2011 class members Jabriel Washington and Bradley Sylve will also enter the competition in spring ball, and one of the top prep corners in the 2012 class—Geno Smith—will arrive in the fall.

Considering that safety Robert Lester is the only returning starter in the secondary, it is imperative that Saban—who is widely regarded as a specialist with defensive backs—finds out who will be able to contribute this fall. 

If Alabama is going to have a chance to repeat as national champions, the large question mark at corner will have to be answered before September.

The quest for a solution begins next month.  

Follow @skirp1