Alabama’s secondary is loaded enough that even a 5-star freshman has to fight for every snap, but Jireh Edwards is already making a strong impression in Tuscaloosa.
The Crimson Tide bring back both starting safeties, Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb, both starting corners, Zabien Brown and Dijon Lee, plus experienced Husky Red Morgan. On top of that, Alabama avoided any depth losses to the Transfer Portal, which only makes the room look even more crowded. Safety is especially stacked, with Zay Mincey, Ivan Taylor and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. all back as reserves who could start for plenty of programs.
That kind of depth makes it tough to project a fast path for Edwards, even with his pedigree. The freshman is expected to help on special teams, and there’s no shortage of talent in front of him on defense.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the kind of body he already brings to campus. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 221 pounds, he looks less like a newcomer and more like someone who has already spent time in a college strength program.
Zabien Brown didn’t hold back when asked about him at SEC Media Days on Wednesday.
“He’s a freak of nature. He’s been doing a great job so far," Brown said.
Edwards’ size is part of what makes him so intriguing, but it’s the way Alabama could use him that really stands out. He has the versatility to line up in a hybrid linebacker/safety role, especially on third downs, where Kane Wommack could take advantage of both his coverage ability and his willingness to step into the box and hit.
Brown wasn’t the only defensive back to rave about him. Hubbard also praised the freshman’s approach and progress.
“He’s doing a really good job learning the system and playing fast,” Hubbard said. “He plays physical. I’m excited to see what his role is.”
The physical part already seems to be there. What will determine how quickly Edwards gets on the field defensively is how fast he catches up mentally. Hubbard’s comments suggest that side of the equation is moving in the right direction, too.
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It was a light detour for a player who is otherwise focused on football, especially with Alabama set to open against East Carolina on Sept. 5 and Hubbard expected back on the field. Still, the conversation fit the broader Hubbard profile, a veteran Tide defender with enough personality to turn a vehicle discussion into a memorable aside, even if the real focus remains what he brings when the season gets going. [Read more 🡒]