Notes from Alabama 2023 football media guide: new player numbers, coach roles

A new season for Alabama football means a new national championship to contend for and a fresh playing surface at Bryant-Denny Stadium. It also means a new edition of the Crimson Tide media guide.
Ahead of Southeastern Conference media days, schools released their yearly packets into the history of their programs and the makeup of the current rosters. Player bios were updated and the full coaching staff was revealed, confirming a few new hires for Nick Saban’s group. Here’s what we learned.
Travaris Robinson’s elevated role
Robinson, a former All-SEC selection at Auburn, will have a new title in his second year in Tuscaloosa. He was listed as the Tide’s secondary coach, an expansion of his role as cornerbacks coach in 2022. Former associate defensive coordinator and safeties coach Charles Kelly left for Deion Sanders’ staff in Colorado in December.
Robinson has had stints with South Carolina, Miami and the Tigers after returning to the Plains in 2007. Robinson’s impact has been felt on the recruiting trail with the Tide. He’s helped secure multiple five-star prospects like current freshmen Caleb Downs and Desmond Ricks as well as 2024 recruit Jaylen Mbakwe.
New assistants, analysts
Former Auburn defensive lineman and graduate assistant Gary Walker Jr. was listed as a graduate assistant for the Tide. Walker, the son of NFL veteran Gary Walker, spent five years with the Tigers before graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics in 2019.
Ken Whisenhunt was also confirmed as a special assistant to Saban. The longtime coach’s bio stated Whisenhint will help “with a myriad of responsibilities, including transfer portal management and scouting, high school relations, offensive game preparations, breakdowns and gathering necessary information on opponents” and more.
New numbers
Seven players were issued their new numbers after enrolling in the program this summer. They included quarterback Tyler Buchner (#8) and a couple of highly-touted prospects like Keon Keely (#31). The full list:
Tyler Buchner, QB – 8
Jaylen Key, DB – 22
Trey Amos, DB – 23
Richard Young, RB –25
Keon Keeley, LB – 31
Conor Talty, PK – 31
Yhonzae Pierre, LB - 42