The concern all week in practice was a potential drop in production for Alabama’s defensive backfield with Trevon Diggs (broken foot) out for the season. Crimson Tide fans were growing in confidence for true freshman cornerback Patrick Surtain II; however, its fear came with Saivion Smith in terms of would the former junior college standout rise to the occasion.
After taking in the coaching from Karl Scott, Nick Saban and others on staff, Smith demonstrated throughout the week that he could maintain a focused level of technique.
In a matchup where Bama Nation wanted to see whether the Florida native could hold his own, Smith greatly exceeded expectations.