He still has more work to do, but it was pleasant sign noticing reserve cornerback Tony Brown at practice for Alabama last week. The Beaumont, Texas native is still serving a suspension after violating team rules during Cotton Bowl preparations for Michigan State.
Brown was sent home and according to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, “he [Brown] is facing some suspensions.”
“When I get the final data on that, I will let you know,” Saban said per John Talty of AL.com.
Brown was absent from both the Cotton Bowl and national championship game.
He posted 16 tackles last season, with much of it coming on special teams. Alabama loses Cyrus Jones, Geno Matias-Smith and Jabriel Washington to the National Football League, which gives Brown an opportunity to earn a starting role in the secondary. Safety Eddie Jackson could potentially miss a significant amount of practice time, due to a leg injury.
If Brown finds his way out of Saban’s doghouse, he will have a chance to play at “Star” in the Tide’s nickel and dime pacakges.
Brown received a lot of reps at safety during practice sessions in 2015. He was spotted working at the position under new defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley in the team’s first spring practice.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
