Countdown to spring practice: Secondary a major priority

Moving on:

Just about everyone with significant experience other than safety Mark Barron is gone. UA’s top three cornerbacks — Kareem Jackson, Javier Arenas and Marquise Johnson — leave a major void. Starting safety Justin Woodall and a couple of reserve safeties are gone as well.

Moving forward:

In one year, Barron will go from the least experienced starter in the UA secondary to the most experienced. In terms of leadership, that would be a challenging adjustment for anyone. Barron was first on the team in interceptions last season (seven) and second in tackles (76). Per a release from UA coach Nick Saban, Robby Green’s eligibility status is being determined through “due process.” Green made 33 stops last season.

Moving up:

Dre Kirkpatrick, B.J. Scott and Phelon Jones are three potential answers in the secondary. Kirkpatrick saw limited defensive action last year but played plenty of special teams. Jones, a transfer from LSU, brings some SEC game experience to the cornerback position, but not much. At safety, Rod Woodson and Robert Lester provided special teams help last season, and look to establish defensive roles this spring.

Moving day:

Incoming freshmen DeMarcus Milliner and John Fulton are enrolled and eligible for spring drills.

Position overview: The secondary will be a major priority in spring practice, not only for the loss of three starters but for the loss of experienced depth as well. Cornerback, especially, is a concern because Alabama’s oft-used nickel package puts three corners on the field at once. The good news is that Barron emerged as one of the top safeties in the Southeastern Conference last season, and now has a year of experience on which to build.

­— Chase Goodbread