Alabama football: Former Crimson Tide defensive back joins Nick Saban’s staff
Alabama football is welcoming back Shyheim Carter as a graduate assistant.
According to Matt Zenitz of Al.com, Shyheim Carter will join the coaching staff at his alma mater after attempting to make a career in the NFL. Carter spent time on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad this season after signing as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets.
Carter was a four-year player for the Alabama Crimson Tide and finished his career with 101 tackles (57 solos), 21 pass deflections, six tackles for loss, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Carter started at nickel back in 2018 and 2019.
He has been praised by both coaches and players for his preparation and leadership. Xavier McKinney knew that Carter was the man to go to when he needed clarification on an assignment.
“I think he’s the smartest defensive back that we have,” former Alabama star safety Xavier McKinney said of Carter in 2019. “When Shy’s out there, I definitely feel a lot more comfortable, just knowing that he knows everything. He knows all the adjustments. So he’s kind of like one of those guys — if I don’t know it, then I’m like ‘OK, let me see if Shy (knows).’ Or if I’m not sure, then Shy says ‘OK, this is what we’re playing.’ Then that’s what we’re going to play. He’s a true vet.”
Shyheim Carter is a smart football player and should do well under Nick Saban’s leadership.
According to 247Sports’ Charlie Potter, Saban was impressed with Carter’s ability to learn every position on the defense and said that Carter always did a good job when he stepped on the field.
“He can answer every question in a meeting about every position. He would be a great, great coach. I think that’s what creates a lot of diversity for him as a player, to be able to play multiple positions because he’s very smart and it means something to him.”
The NFL may not have worked out as Carter had hoped, but with the football mind that he has coupled with the support of former players and his head coach, Carter should thrive and work his way up as a high-ranking assistant in no time.
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