One thing about Alabama having lost six regulars from the 2017 secondary is that there are plenty of positions open for Crimson Tide candidates in this final week of fall camp before game preparation begins next week. One of those who was lost was a unanimous All-America player, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Fitzpatrick was at least double valuable in that he played multiple positions.

One of those in the mix for a starting job in Alabama’s defensive backfield this year is another versatile man in Shyheim Carter, a 6-0, 195-pound junior who has seen playing time in his first two seasons as a cornerback, safety, and nickel back.

I’m very blessed that I can say that I know multiple positions, and it’s not easy learning it,” Carter said Monday. “Me being able to know multiple positions helps me, and it helps other players on the team that I can teach the position to; knowing what they have [to do] or knowing their assignments.”

No one would expect Shyheim Carter to be Minkah Fitzpatrick, including Carter, but he doesn’t lack confidence.

“I learned a lot from Minkah,” Carter said. “He’s a great player, a phenomenal athlete, and I definitely learned a lot from him. But I try to do my own thing and try to be myself.”

Carter saw action in all 14 games for Alabama in the secondary and on special teams in a national championship season after seeing duty in nine games as a freshman in 2016. Last year he saw considerable playing time at cornerback against Texas A&M and was called on to replace and injured Fitzpatrick against LSU.

Shyheim Carter (5) works against good Tide receivers like Henry Ruggs III (11) in practice

Carter acknowledges that he has been moving around in practice, but deflects questions about where he might play in the secondary.

“Whatever is best for the team,” he said. “I’m not worried about where I’ll be playing. It doesn’t really matter. I’m an athlete, so I’ll play anywhere the team needs me.”

He pointed out that whether playing safety or corner, “you have to have really good eye discipline. It’s like the angles and knowing how to do it. Anybody can know what to do; it’s knowing how to do it.

“It takes a little while, but once you get how to do it right then it will come.”

Coaches, including Nick Saban, point to Carter’s intelligence in being able to play multiple positions.

Carter said, “I take pride in knowing every position even what the D-Line and the linebackers do. I take that very personally because if someone doesn't know what, then I can always adjust them and put them in the position they need to be in. I like trying to be the quarterback of the defense.

“I try to lead and lead by example also. A lot of players on the team look up to me because I've been here for going on three years. I try to direct them in a good way.”

He said that while he watches himself as he tries to improve, that he also “watch other players, too, helping them where they have to be during a play, during an assignment.”

Something that his coaches have stressed is Carter being more vocal as a leader.

Carter’s teammate, Quinnen Williams, said, “He’s kind of quiet everywhere. He’s the type of quiet like you’ve got to do in business; he’s like a businessman quiet. He’s a great leader at all times, on the field, off the field, great leader. He demands the best out of everybody because he gives the best.”

With an inexperienced secondary this year, Carter said that he expects to be tested. But he doesn’t consider that a bad thing.

“You're hoping and praying that they throw the ball, so you can cause turnovers or make big plays,” he said. “We’ll be ready.

“We are obviously young but coming out and refocusing every day and playing under Coach Saban, you don't really have a lot to worry about except following your assignments.”

One thing helping the preparation, he said, is Alabama’s corps of wide receivers.

“They’re the best receiving corps that we’re going to face,” he said. “Going up against them every day is a tough job.”