One of the Alabama football secondary’s points of emphasis is versatility, head coach Nick Saban said after the Crimson Tide’s first preseason scrimmage of 2023. Saban was asked after the scrimmage which of the team’s defensive backs could play both multiple positions

Saban, who takes an active role with the Tide’s defensive backs, listed off a number of players.

“We got a bunch (of versatility), I mean we’re playing guys all over the place,” Saban said. “Terrion (Arnold) can play different spots, Kool-Aid (McKinstry) can play different spots. Malachi (Moore) can play just about everywhere. Jaylen Key can play multiple positions, trying to develop Tony Mitchell to be able to play multiple positions. We need to have a lot of guys that can do that. DeVonta (Smith) can play a couple different things. Kristian Story can play a couple of different things.”

The Crimson Tide are missing some top defensive backs from last season. Jordan Battle and Brian Branch are both off to the NFL.

Still, Alabama has made a habit of replacing top stars on a semi-yearly basis throughout the Saban dynasty. Saban has been pleased with the efforts to have players learn multiple jobs so far.

“It does sort of sometimes affect the repetitions that a guy gets at a certain position,” Saban said. ”But I think it’s important that guys have a background and a basic knowledge of information so we get guys injured during the season we can move guys around and have a chance to get the best people in the field. Same thing on the offensive line. You know, guys you got to be able to play multiple positions.”

More: Alabama football: Nick Saban wants more offensive depth, consistency

Saban mentioned Moore’s ability to move around the defensive backfield. The senior has been practicing at the star position and as a safety for the Tide throughout camp.

On Monday, Moore said he liked playing both spots.

“The star position I’ve been playing a little bit longer so I know a lot of the adjustments and things that’s coming,” Moore said. “But safety is also fun to me to play. I don’t know. It makes me excited when I get to move around and stuff like that.”

Arnold is also jumping in at the star position but instead of safety, he’s also playing corner. As a redshirt freshman in 2022, he started seven games, appearing in 11 with an interception, eight pass breakups and 45 tackles.

Now, the Tide will be looking for even more from him.

“I feel comfortable all around the field now, going into my third year,” Arnold said Thursday. “It’s something that you kind of get used to. I’ve seen a lot, played in a lot of big games, so I would say I feel very comfortable doing both of those things.”

Alabama continues camp through Aug. 26. The Crimson Tide opens the season Sept. 2 against Middle Tennessee State.