With the football season coming up, The Crimson White will do a position-by-position breakdown of the Crimson Tide’s roster. Up next: safeties.

Who’s gone: Robert Lester (undrafted NFL free agent)

Who’s still here: Nick Perry (senior), Jarrick Williams (junior), Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (junior), Vinnie Sunseri (junior), Landon Collins (sophomore)

Who’s new: Jai Miller (former MLB player), Anthony Averett (three-star)

Standouts: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix grabbed five interceptions, tied for the most in the SEC, including one in each of the last three games. Vinnie Sunseri and Landon Collins both tied for the team lead in special-teams tackles last year with 10 apiece.

Outlook: Clinton-Dix made numerous preseason first-team All-American lists, including ESPN’s and Sports Illustrated’s, a result of the former five-star’s progression late in the season. The interception Clinton-Dix notched in the BCS National Championship Game intensified the spotlight on the free safety. A quiet, determined athlete in preseason, expect Clinton-Dix to only get better and be a finalist for the Thorpe Award in December.

Sunseri switched from nickelback to safety this year. At times a liability in pass coverage in 2012, look for Sunseri to thrive in five- and six-DB situations on defense. Perry will continue to be a reliable coverage back. Expect Collins to step in around midseason and make his first start.