While the job responsibilities will stay mostly the same, both the Alabama defense and its fan base are adjusting to new terminology under Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme.
A key position in this defense is the Husky, which was previously called the Star under Nick Saban and is known by various other names, such as nickel corner or slot corner, in college football.
The Husky must be highly versatile, combining safety traits to manage coverage responsibilities with the physicality needed to defend against the run. This position often requires the player to handle edge duties and function like an undersized outside linebacker near the line of scrimmage. Ideally, the Husky is a playmaker and a ballhawk, skilled in blitzing and creating challenges for opposing offenses.
For the past four seasons, Alabama has been solid at this position with Brian Branch and Malachi Moore, both class of 2020 recruits. Branch, a second-round pick in 2023, and Moore, now in his fifth season, have excelled in various aspects of the role.
Although Moore started at Husky last season, Alabama will introduce a new starter for the 2024 season. Moore is expected to move to a traditional safety role, while redshirt junior Devonta Smith is the frontrunner for the Husky position.
The position is still up for grabs. Despite entering his fourth season, Smith has primarily played special teams and missed most of the 2023 season due to injuries, leaving him with limited production—just 6 career tackles in 23 appearances. His experience in college football is beneficial, but true freshman Red Morgan is providing strong competition.
Morgan impressed the coaching staff during spring practice, demonstrating reliability in his first year. Jimmy Stein from BamaOnline has compared Morgan to Malachi Moore, who excelled as a freshman in the same role, and Alabama receiver Kobe Prentice has likened Morgan to Caleb Downs, setting high expectations.
With Devonta Smith and Red Morgan competing, Alabama should have two strong options at Husky this season. The competition for this position is expected to continue through fall camp and beyond.