Saivion Smith may be key in Tide secondary
The final news conference of the week for Alabama football coach Nick Saban on Wednesday night did not involve a single question about quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa.
So unless Saban names a starter tonight on his weekly radio show, the anticipated unveiling may not occur until Saturday evening’s opener against Louisville at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Given that Hurts is 26-2 as the Crimson Tide starter and that Tagovailoa led the thrilling rally against Georgia during January’s national championship game, Alabama would seem to be in good shape either way.
Alabama is not as experienced in the secondary after losing six defensive backs from a year ago, including five who were taken in the NFL draft, but Saban believes the group has made the most of preseason workouts.
“I think a lot of progress has been made,” Saban said. “We have a lot of new faces, and guys have to learn to play together. They’ve made improvements in their communicating, but I don’t think we’ll know exactly how they’re going to perform until they go out there and make the adjustments they need to make.”
Among the Tide newcomers in the defensive backfield is 6-foot-1, 200-pound junior Saivion Smith, the nation’s top cornerback prospect in the 2016 signing class out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Smith signed with LSU but transferred to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where he had 31 tackles and two interceptions last season, returning one for a touchdown.
Smith enrolled at Alabama in January, and he could be used early and often against Louisville.
“I’m happy with the progress he’s made,” Saban said. “He’s a hard worker. He’s physical. He’s fast. When he plays good technique, he really is an effective player.
“His maturity helps us. We’ve got such a young group of guys, and the fact he’s played (college) football before has benefited him.”
Tide tidbits
Alabama practiced indoors for two hours Wednesday in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts. … The Crimson Tide’s first-team offensive line is still left tackle Jonah Williams, left guard Lester Cotton, center Ross Pierschbacher, right guard Alex Leatherwood and right tackle Jedrick Wills. … Saban said offensive coordinator Mike Locksley will work from the press box, with quarterbacks coach Dan Enos assisting from the sideline, and that defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi will work from the field, with inside linebackers coach Pete Golding helping from the press box.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.