TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama’s secondary is one of the most-experienced position groups on its 2019 roster. But when the Crimson Tide released its depth chart Monday, less than one week before the opener, there were four true freshmen among the two-deep at cornerback and safety.

Marcus Banks and DeMarcco Hellams were listed as backups at right cornerback and strong safety, respectively, while Scooby Carter and Jordan Battle were co-starters at left cornerback and free safety, respectively. That’s four of the five freshmen Alabama signed in 2019 with the lone exception being Brandon Turnage, who missed part of the preseason with a twisted ankle.

Nick Saban was asked about the freshman defensive backs, and the head coach shed some light on where the newcomers truly stand as the start of the 2019 regular season inches closer.

“We think all those guys have the potential to be really good players,” Saban said in a press conference. “I think Jordan Battle has sort of played really well and is probably going to have a chance to play on some special teams. DeMarcco Hellams is a guy that I think is going to contribute to the depth at safety, as well. A couple of the young guys that are fighting for backup cornerback role positions, there is still a lot of competition there. I don’t think anybody has really ever sort of stood out, even though we like their ability. We’re just going to keep working with them and hope that they can mature and develop into guys you can depend on at that position.

“So, I guess to sum it up, we’re not disappointed in anyone. We’re encouraged by the ability that all these players have. We’re not totally satisfied with how they can -- and we expect them to -- develop in the future so they can contribute to the depth of our team. And we do think some of those guys can contribute on special teams.”

Three of the five defensive back signees from the 2019 recruiting cycle were Top100 prospects, according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. All five were considered 4-star recruits.

Alabama freshman safety Jordan Battle

In recent practices, especially during nickel formation drills, Banks and Battle have worked with the second-team defense at corner and safety. Carter has also been in the mix with the twos at times this preseason, and among the defensive backs, he was the only one that enrolled early.

Battle is one of the new defensive backs that has generated the most buzz, as he intercepted a tipped pass in the second of two scrimmages. While Hellams was the only freshman that Saban mentioned when asked about the secondary’s versatility, saying he can play safety and Money.

The pair of freshman safeties have also impressed veteran Xavier McKinney.

“I think they’re coming along,” McKinney said. “I think they’re doing really well. I think they’re trying to get better each and every day. They give a lot of effort. They play well. They’re young, of course, right now, but they’ve still got a lot of room for improvement just like everybody else.”

As a leader in the defensive backfield, McKinney said it is his job to make sure the younger guys in the secondary don’t get sidetracked or distracted ahead of the season. And so far, so good.

“The younger guys have done a great job through camp and through the last couple practices of kind of just making sure they were focused and making sure they were ready to play at all times,” McKinney said. “I feel like a lot of the young guys have done a good job of trying to learn the system, trying to learn the plays and making sure they’re doing all the right things to be successful.”

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

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