Alabama Crimson Tide's Fire Drill in the Secondary

The loss of safety Rod Woodson this week, along with the loss of veteran safety Robby Green, puts the already thin, inexperienced secondary in crisis mode.

Alabama will start veteran Mark Barron and first year starter Robert Lester, but who comes off the bench?   Lets look at who's available.

No. 20 Jarrick Williams 6' 2” 205 True Freshman

Yahoo calls Williams a headhunter with ball skills. Some expected him to eventually grow into a linebacker, but for now, Williams may need to stay at safety. Yahoo lists his weakness as a tendency to tackle high. ESPN says of Williams, “He plays the position like a seasoned veteran.” If Williams had been available this spring, I believe he might be the first man off the bench, but with no experience in the system, he may not get the chance.

No. 27 Nick Perry 6' 2” 195 True Freshman

Another highly ranked true freshman who could have benefited from an early entry this spring. Perry is yet another solid football player from Prattville. Alabama may have wanted to redshirt him this year, but that may change.

No. 81 Kendell Kelly 6' 3” 214 Redshirt Freshman

A four-star receiver out of Gadsden, Kelly suffered a shoulder injury his senior year in high school that slowed him down. He was redshirted as a freshman and after spending part of the spring at safety returns this fall full-time at the position. At this point, Kelly is a complete unknown quantity.  He has the size, but does he have the skills?

No. 46 Westley Neighbors 6' 1” 205 Redshirt Freshman

The Neighbors family is Alabama royalty.

Grandfather Billy is in the college football hall of fame and father Wes played for the tide and was drafted into the NFL. He was known more for his hitting in high school and that has continued at Alabama. Most felt Westley was destined for a supporting roll in his career, but now is the time if he is to rise above that.

Down two safeties, the staff may switch someone from corner.  Some possible candidate might be:

No. 10 John Fulton 6' 1” 179 True Freshman + Spring

Yahoo felt he could play corner or safety. They go on to note his frame could handle more weight, so safety might be his eventual position anyway. Fulton was here this spring so he won't be totally devoid of experience in the system.  This could be his golden opportunity for early playing time.

No. 9 Phelon Jones 5' 11” 199 Junior

The much-travelled Phelon Jones started his career at LSU and sat last year out after the transfer. He is in a crowded battle for time at corner, moving him to safety could open the door for more playing time and eventual starting duty.

Having Nick Saban as a position coach is a double edged sword.  On one hand, these young players are going to get the best coaching available at the college level.  On the other hand,  if you don't know what to do and when to do it,  no amount of athletic prowess is going to get you onto the field.

Alabama's season may in fact hinge on these players ability to learn on the fly and play physical.