Friday Feature #14: Bray Hubbard
Alabama were, in the eyes of some people, a controversial selection for the College Football Playoff. Whatever you may think of the Tide’s involvement in College Football’s postseason, one thing that is not controversial is how strong the play of Alabama’s secondary has been. That secondary is anchored by Bray Hubbard, a rising Junior, who burst onto the scene in 2024. Check out my detailed scouting report on Hubbard below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Bray Hubbard
Year: Junior
Size: 6’2, 208 pounds
Position/Scheme Fit: Hybrid Safety in a 4-2-5 Swarm defense
Former 3-star recruit out of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, who played Quarterback in high school. While he was regarded as one of the most productive offensive players in Mississippi high school football history, his defensive presence was nonexistent. However, this did not deter Nick Saban and former Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding from pursuing Hubbard as a safety prospect, ultimately gaining his commitment. Hubbard played just four defensive snaps in his true freshman season in 2023, instead contributing to the Crimson Tide’s special teams unit.
He became a starter as a sophomore in 2024 when Keon Sabb went down with a season-ending injury. Hubbard pulled in three interceptions and forced a fumble in six starts. He started the 2025 season firmly on the NFL draft radar and has gone from strength to strength. He has had a career-high 4 INTs, while also forcing 3 fumbles and getting the QB on the ground.
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Versatile player who has had well over 100 snaps in the box, at deep safety and in the slot. Much stronger in coverage when playing in zone vs man coverage, but has played quite a bit in both and can play man in a pinch.
2. Belies his former offensive background as he does not shy away from contact. Physical tackler who can lay the wood when needed and come downhill in a hurry with bad intentions.
3. Can really see his zone coverage skills. Excellent read and react skills, and can trace the QB’s eyes effectively to know when to make a break on the ball.
4. Good overall ball skills as he pulled in 3 INTs and 2 PBUs in only six starts back in 2024, while upping those totals in 2025 as a full-time starter. Definitely offers some upside in forcing turnovers, given his nose for the ball and hard-hitting.
Development Points
1. Lacks some speed and agility in the open field. Struggles to backpedal when deployed in the middle of the defense and has some trouble keeping up with slot receivers and players on the outside.
2. Not the greatest change of direction athlete. He can look a bit clunky adjusting to runners cutting back or making cuts in space. May not have the overall athleticism to play deep safety, sideline to sideline.
3. Unsurprisingly, his instincts aren't quite there yet, given that he has only been playing defense for 3 years. Can get lost on plays and should improve his communication on the backend with more playing time.
4. Inconsistent in run defense. Has some great moments that make you think he could be a plus player and box safety near the LOS full time, but he has moments where he looks lost, takes bad angles and gets washed out.
Conclusion
Bray Hubbard burst onto the scene in 2024, replacing Keon Sabb during the Tennessee game and hasn't looked back. He made some big plays across the final 6 games of the season and the Bowl game, including 3 picks. He has a good nose for the ball, making big hits and forcing turnovers. He has gotten the start this year for the Crimson Tide and projects in my view as a possible high-end box safety and leader of the defense, using his QB background to read plays. His athleticism probably isn't top of the class, but he has enough to stick at the next level and could find himself starting sooner rather than later in an NFL secondary.
Grade: 6.3/9.0 (3rd round grade)
Player Comp: Cole Bishop
Team Fits: Texans, Seahawks