The early-season criticism from former Crimson Tide players hit home, according to Alabama’s Terrion Arnold.

The defensive back, who joined “The Paul Finebaum Show” on Tuesday, said the criticism after the 34-24 loss to Texas and the adversity of the 17-3 South Florida win helped, even if it hurt.

“It was something that humbled us,” he said. “Things we let slide and things we let go by, we were able to pick up on those little things.

“The USF situation, as far as how people treated us after that and this fan base, … the motto I’ve been preaching to the guys is ‘We all we got. We all we need.’ That’s something we’re continuing to see in growth, and I feel we haven’t played out best football yet.”

RELATED: Arnold shares what Miss Terry texted him ahead of Saturday’s game

Finebaum asked Arnold specifically about the criticism from former Alabama players.

“Obviously, when you see guys you grew up watching and guys that had been in your shoes … say stuff about you,” he started, adding he isn’t on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, but he is on Instagram. “But for my teammates to bring it up to us in the locker room, it disheartened us because, man, you supposed to be right here with us, and you guys have been in our shoes. So, if anything, you should be encouraging us with the adversity we’re going through right now.”

Former running back Trent Richardson was one of former players to voice his opinion of the Tide in September.

Arnold said Alabama coach Nick Saban addressed the criticism, including shots from former players, in a team meeting.

“He said the guys that came before us, that was them, this is now,” Arnold recalled. “Obviously, this is a whole different generation, a whole new era of football, and we have to stay where we are at.”

Now, as the Crimson Tide are 9-1 and have qualified for the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, he won’t forget what was said.

“That’s the beauty of this thing,” he said. “I love it. I’m one of those guys. I never forget what anybody says.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.