Vinnie Sunseri is back on the radar as a potential professional player, just three weeks after being cut from the New Orleans Saints back on April 25.
He was taken by the Saints in the fifth round (167th overall pick) in the 2014 NFL Draft and signed a four-year contract, prior to being released because a knee injury.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan reported that the former Alabama standout had earned a workout with the New England Patriots last week. Coach Bill Belichick already has two ex-Crimson Tide players on his roster, linebacker Donta Hightower and cornerback Cyrus Jones.
Former #Saints S Vinnie Sunseri worked out for the #Patriots last week. His recovery from ACL surgery is going well (hit 9 month mark).
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) May 20, 2016
Sunseri, son of Oakland Raiders linebackers coach Sal Sunseri, was a stalwart on defense and special teams during three seasons at Alabama (2011-13). He compiled 105 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four interceptions (five passes defended) and four defensive touchdowns.
Sunseri registered two interceptions in 2012 against Arkansas and Missouri. The Crimson Tide would secure its third national championship under Nick Saban, defeating Notre Dame 42-14.
A knee injury would limit him to six games in 2013, but Sunseri would manage to record two pick sixes against Virginia Tech and Texas A&M.
Prior to Alabama, Sunseri was a highly-touted prospect from Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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 @Smsmith_TDALMag.
