:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48631069/Screen_Shot_2016-01-24_at_5.18.24_PM.0.0.png)
Four-star Shyheim Carter is heading to Tuscaloosa, not Oxford. The four-star defensive back announced on National Signing Day that he plans to sign with Nick Saban and Alabama.
Carter led Kentwood High School to a state title as a senior while playing who damn near every position on the field: quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back. The Under Armour All-American finished his final campaign with 2,443 passing yards, 1,648 rushing yards and over 30 combined touchdowns. Defensively, he had 57 tackles, five interceptions and defended 13 passes.
A Rebel secondary that struggled last year (and that was with the departing Trae Elston and Mike Hilton) could have used the help. Tony Bridges and Kendarius Webster will likely hold onto their starting jobs in 2016 (though Bridges in particular needs to improve), but the depth behind them is wanting. Carter could have competed with Cam Ordway, Kailo Moore, Carlos Davis and fellow class of 2016 member Jaylon Jones for rotational play in the secondary this season. With Bridges (a senior) and Webster (a junior) possibly entering their final seasons, there could be an opening at one or both starting spots in 2017.