Senior cornerback Bradley Sylve has joined Eddie Jackson in leading Alabama’s secondary through drills in spring practice. Sylve is coming off a junior season, in which he had eight tackles with seven solo stops and two pass breakups in 14 games.
He got burned by West Virginia’s receiver Kevin White in Alabama’s season opener, but returned with a valiant effort against Auburn. Sylve recorded two pass breakups against Sammie Coates. He is vying for a spot at corner, opposite senior Cyrus Jones (hip).
Sylve appeared in eight games (three starts) at corner in 2013. He totaled 10 tackles and two pass breakups as a sophomore. He saw action in 12 games as a redshirt freshman, chiming in with six tackles (four solo stops) and two pass breakups in 2012.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Sylve is the fastest player on the team, according to Alabama’s running back Kenyan Drake. He has play making abilities, but needs to improve his technique in coverage. Sylve has a tendency of not playing the ball well in the air, despite his recovery speed.
He was one of the biggest playmakers signed in Alabama’s 2011 class.
Sylve, a Louisiana native, was a four-star prospect from South Palquemines High School (Port Sulphur, La.). He was a versatile athlete, playing quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back. Sylve collected 1,174 receiving yards in 2008, and helped his team capture a state championship. He rushed for 1,200 yards and tossed for more than 500 yards in 2010, while earning 1A All-State honors at defensive back as a senior.
Defensive backs coach Mel Tucker has been working with Alabama’s secondary on form tackling, creating turnovers and proper ball skills. Sylve looks good in practice, but he has to produce in game situations.
