Could Alabama Use Two-Way Players in 2025? Exploring the Possibility of Versatility on Both Sides of the Ball This Season
As Alabama football continues its transition under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, one intriguing question has begun circulating within the program and among fans: could the Crimson Tide consider using a player on both sides of the ball, even if only in situational or limited roles? The idea of two-way players isn’t new to football—it’s a throwback to the sport’s earliest days—but in the modern era, it’s a rarity at the Power Five level, especially at a program with Alabama’s depth. Yet given the unique talent on this roster and the fresh mindset brought in by DeBoer and his staff, it’s a concept that may not be as far-fetched in 2025 as it once seemed.
The notion of a player contributing on both offense and defense has often been associated with desperation, roster shortages, or special teams necessity. But in recent years, a few high-profile programs have dabbled in it more creatively. Michigan used DB-WR Mike Sainristil as a slot corner and occasional gadget receiver. LSU used Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu on return duties and in offensive sets. And, most famously, Travis Hunter at Colorado plays full snaps on both offense and defense—though that example is more the exception than the rule.
At Alabama, Nick Saban’s philosophy rarely embraced two-way play beyond a few wrinkles in special teams or red zone packages. He valued specialization, structure, and strict positional development. But Kalen DeBoer brings a slightly different mindset—one rooted in adaptability, matchup exploitation, and player-friendly creativity. While DeBoer is not expected to adopt a Travis Hunter-style two-way model, he has shown a willingness to put the ball in the hands of playmakers and to experiment with personnel to create advantages. That philosophy could open the door for some Alabama players to take on dual roles, even in limited capacities.
The player most often mentioned in this conversation is sophomore Caleb Downs. Widely considered one of the most complete defensive backs in college football, Downs had a phenomenal freshman season in 2024, leading the team in tackles and becoming the backbone of Alabama’s secondary. But his high school career also featured a dominant run as a two-way threat, where he regularly played running back and wide receiver. His vision, change-of-direction, and ball skills make him a natural with the ball in his hands, and there have already been murmurs this offseason that Alabama may look for ways to use him offensively—particularly in short-yardage or trick-play packages.
DeBoer hasn’t committed to that idea publicly, but in early fall practices, Downs was spotted taking part in ball-handling drills during special teams sessions. Whether that’s simply preparation for punt returns or a sign of things to come remains to be seen, but the fact that he’s even being considered outside of his normal defensive responsibilities signals that the coaching staff sees value in his versatility.
Downs isn’t the only candidate. Kendrick Law, a junior wide receiver and special teams ace, also brings a background on defense. A former high school safety, Law has the size and instincts to contribute in the secondary if needed, especially in emergency packages or during depth-challenged situations. His physicality and understanding of route concepts make him an intriguing fit as a hybrid nickel or dime defender, particularly against spread-heavy offenses. While his primary role remains on offense and in the return game, his athletic profile makes him one of the most obvious two-way possibilities on the roster.
Then there’s freshman phenom Jaylen Mbakwe, who signed with Alabama as a cornerback but was also an electric dual-threat quarterback and receiver at Clay-Chalkville High School. Mbakwe’s elite speed and natural playmaking instincts have already turned heads in camp. While he’s been working exclusively with the defense early on, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the staff test him in offensive drills as a jet sweep option or trick-play specialist as he becomes more comfortable with the college pace. For young players like Mbakwe, two-way opportunities often begin with special teams or gadget packages before evolving into more defined roles.
Another name worth watching is Emmanuel Henderson Jr. A gifted athlete who has bounced between running back, wide receiver, and returner, Henderson’s combination of size, speed, and open-field talent has always hinted at a defensive ceiling as well. While he’s dealt with injuries that have hindered consistent development, his ability to play multiple spots gives DeBoer options. In certain game situations—perhaps a goal-line stand or a prevent package—using Henderson as a defensive back or even as a situational blitzer isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
The feasibility of playing someone on both sides of the ball also comes down to game flow and conditioning. Few players, even elite ones, are conditioned to play 70-80 snaps on each side of the ball, especially in the physical SEC. That’s why any two-way usage in Tuscaloosa would almost certainly be limited and situational. Still, the situational use of elite athletes in red zone, short-yardage, or momentum-shifting moments could provide Alabama with a competitive edge—especially in tight games where a single possession makes the difference.
It’s not just about creativity for creativity’s sake, either. There are competitive benefits to be gained. For example, lining up Caleb Downs in a Wildcat formation forces the defense to account for a completely different look. Using Kendrick Law on a defensive snap confuses blocking assignments and potentially leads to mismatches. In a sport increasingly decided by matchups and pre-snap leverage, even a single snap of two-way innovation can tilt a game in Alabama’s favor.
Personnel usage like this also sends a message to recruits—particularly those with elite athletic profiles—that Alabama will maximize their versatility. In an era of NIL and instant transfers, showing a willingness to use players creatively is no small recruiting tool. The top athletes in high school football often play multiple positions, and many of them want opportunities to do the same in college. For DeBoer, giving those athletes chances to shine beyond a single depth chart slot may be the key to not only recruiting them—but keeping them.
However, the coaching staff must balance this experimentation with the practical demands of preparation. There are only so many reps in practice, and every moment spent learning an offensive package is a moment not spent refining coverage technique or understanding defensive calls. The staff will have to be surgical in how they install two-way concepts. That means building sub-packages, using limited install periods, and keeping communication between position coaches airtight.
There’s also the injury risk to consider. Playing on both sides of the ball naturally increases a player’s snap count and physical exposure. Alabama’s staff will have to make calculated decisions about how much risk they’re willing to take with their top stars. With someone like Downs, who is likely a top-10 NFL Draft pick, even five extra snaps a game must be weighed against long-term health and development.
Still, for a program with Alabama’s depth, this risk is somewhat mitigated by the fact that no player needs to play both ways full time. The talent on this roster is deep enough to support rotational play and focused usage. The benefit lies in unpredictability. When opposing teams study Alabama’s film, the presence of a Downs or Law in a new spot could force them to prepare for a dozen extra scenarios—burning time and narrowing their focus.
The concept of two-way players also fits DeBoer’s broader vision for Alabama football. His approach is based on adaptability, leveraging skillsets, and playing to strengths rather than forcing roles. If that means lining up a defensive back at wide receiver for a red zone play, or using a running back in a deep coverage shell on a Hail Mary, so be it. The goal is to win—creatively, efficiently, and with every resource available.
As Alabama’s fall camp continues and scrimmages ramp up, coaches will begin to refine these ideas. The first few games of the season, particularly non-conference matchups, offer opportunities to experiment with two-way snaps without risking the outcome of tightly contested SEC battles. If the results are positive, don’t be surprised to see Alabama slowly integrate more of this versatility as the season progresses.
At its core, the possibility of playing someone on both sides of the ball in 2025 is about evolution. Alabama is no longer just the rigid, pro-style machine it was under Saban. It is now a program willing to explore edges, disrupt norms, and innovate within its own tradition of excellence. Whether that means one snap or ten snaps a game, the use of two-way players could become a new wrinkle in Alabama’s ongoing pursuit of championships.
And if the right opportunity arises—a goal-line stand, a trick play, a must-have third down—don’t be surprised if a familiar face shows up in an unexpected place, ready to make a game-changing impact on both sides of the football.
