Alabama football: 5 breakout players to watch in 2020

Alabama football breakout candidate No. 4: Josh Jobe, CB

You could make a strong argument that one Alabama cornerback, Patrick Surtain II, has already broken out to this point. He tied for the team lead in pass defenses last season with eight while notching two interceptions and 42 total tackles. But with the departure of Trevon Diggs for the NFL and losing both starting safeties as well, the rest of the secondary does have some question marks.

Those holes that need to be filled open up a prime opportunity for Josh Jobe, who feels like the most obvious candidate to start opposite of Surtain at cornerback. As a sophomore last season, Jobe had a similar opportunity to lock down a starting job but, due to some injuries and his inability to keep a level head on the field, he wasn’t able to secure that role for the entire season.

When Diggs sat out in the bowl game against Michigan, though, it was Jobe who stepped into that role and he played quite well. More importantly, he seemed to play with a better head on his shoulders. Talent has never been in question with Jobe, who boasts a great frame for the position at 6-foot-1, 189 pounds. It’s all about staying healthy and staying focused.

Now a junior, Jobe should be a more mature presence in the secondary. Given that and the opportunities before him to take up a starting job, he’ll have plenty of chances to show his talent as teams will likely shy away from throwing at Surtain. If it all works out, Jobe could lead the team in interceptions and pass defenses with how skilled of a corner he has the potential to be for the Crimson Tide.