Size, strength and technique all strike fear in the hearts of opponents.
Alabama’s defensive backs Ronnie Harrison and Laurence “Hootie” Jones have all three, and both look to be pivotal factors this season. Jones, a true sophomore, saw action in seven games last season and recorded two tackles. He stands at 6-foot-2, 219 pounds.
Jones, a native of Monroe, La., was a consensus four-star safety and one of three Louisiana natives to enroll at Alabama in 2014 (Cameron Sims and Cameron Robinson). He was listed as the No.3 safety by ESPN and No.6 safety, according to Scout.com.
Harrison, like Jones, was a four-star prospect upon his arrival to Alabama in January 2015.
At 6-foot-3, 218 pounds, Harrison displays solid ball skills and is an exceptional tackler. Harrison was a household name at Florida State University School in Tallahassee, Fla., as a two-way player. He juggled both quarterback and defensive back, totaling 3,858 passing yards, 1,931 rushing yards, 57 touchdowns, 39 tackles and 14 pass breakups in his career.
Harrison recorded a tackle and an interception in Alabama’s spring game.
Fall camp starts Aug. 6, and there is an open competition at both safety positions.
Alabama lost Landon Collins and Nick Perry to the National Football League. It lost Jarrick Williams to graduation. Senior defensive back Geno Smith is in the running for one of those spots, but Jones and Harrison are pushing. This year’s team returns some experience in the secondary; however, one can’t coach size. Ronnie Harrison and Laurence Jones both have it.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
