Skill-Set Summary: Don't be surprised if Clinton-Dix explodes this season. He was one of the top recruits in the nation out of Orlando, Florida. Clinton-Dix has a rare combination of speed, explosiveness and size. As an athlete, he has special ability with the potential to be an impact starter in the NFL.
The Crimson Tide's defensive backs are coached by head coach Nick Saban, and he demands a lot from his cornerbacks and safeties. With the defensive scheme and what is asked of the pass defenders, it takes some developmental time for players to learn their responsibilities. That is why they rarely see the field until their sophomore season at the earliest, with many players having a redshirt season in addition to a freshman year as a backup.
Clinton-Dix followed in that mold as a backup to Lester and Mark Barron in the beginning. Judging from his one year of playing time, Clinton-Dix looks to have excellent instincts. He looks like a smart defender in the deep part of the field. Clinton-Dix covers a lot of ground and is very good at reading the quarterback to know which part of field the throw is going to. That put him in position for big plays including his interception against Notre Dame last season.
Along with excellent foot speed, Clinton-Dix has good ball skills. Obviously, he has been prepared well via the tip drill and other coaching at Alabama.
Clinton-Dix hasn't really shown to be a big hitter, but considering he played in a platoon role, it remains to be seen if he has some enforcer to his game. Clinton-Dix has the size to be a hard hitter and Saban has said that Clinton-Dix is a good tackler. He has the measurements to cover big receivers and tight ends.
It would be good for Clinton-Dix to show as a consistently good defender in run support this year. The junior's stock could get a real boost if he can show the ability to play some man coverage on slot receivers and tight ends. NFL teams have a real demand for safeties with that skill set.
With his size, speed, production and development, Clinton-Dix looks poised for an impact season that could easily lead him to entering the 2014 NFL Draft.