TUSCALOOSA—After two seasons of being a reserve, Anthony Averett is starting to show how good he can be in Alabama’s secondary. His finest effort came last week, as he totaled four tackles and two pass breakups in a 49-10 win over Tennessee. Averett, a junior, aided a unit that limited Volunteers’ quarterback Joshua Dobbs to 92 passing yards, while forcing an interception. Despite playing in seven games during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, he was used primarily on scout team—defending both receivers Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley.
Before signing in the Tide’s 2013 class, Averett garnerned a four-star rating at Woodbury (N.J.) High School.
He recorded 106 tackles, 12 pass breakups and five interceptions as a senior year in 2012, and accumulated much success on the track field. A suspension to Tony Brown early on and Maurice Smith’s departure opened the door for him, but it’s been Averett’s competitive nature that has guided him as a first-year starter.
Eddie Jackson, Averett’s teammate, knows a lot about being thrown into the fire.
He was signed in the same recruiting class as Averett, however, Jackson did not redshirt. He played in seven games, including scratching out four starts. His best performance came against Ole Miss, when he picked up four tackles, two pass breakups and his first career interception. Jackson would go from unsung hero in 2013 to having a light setback in the following season, due to a quick return from a knee injury in spring practice.
Ever determined, Jackson pushed himself and after accepting a move to safety, he began to flourish in 2015.
The 6-foot, 194-pound defensive back sees the same qualities in Averett.
“He’s done a great job,” Jackson said. “Ant [Averett] has always been a guy that comes in every day and competes. In just playing football overall, he’s done a good job of keeping guys covered. He’s a fast guy, so it’s hard to beat him deep. He came in kind of nervous, but he’s really settled down and handled things well.”
Averett stands 10th on the team in tackles (19), while having a tackle for loss, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. He, Jackson and the rest of Alabama’s defensive secondary will host Texas A&M this week.
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.
