He’s now fully bought into “The Process.”
Nick Saban’s methods may sound corny, but the rewards from listening to Alabama’s coach speak for themselves. Upon the end of its 54-16 win over Florida in the Southeastern Conference title game, one Crimson Tide player flashed a smile in the locker room. The trials of Tony Brown as both a player and person have been documented, but his performance in last week’s contest is a testament of how focused he’s become.
Since returning from suspension in week five against Kentucky, the junior has served as an impact player at star (nickel) and on special teams as a gunner. He would pick up his first interception of the season against Mississippi State, with Eddie Jackson (leg) cheering and both Marlon Humphrey and Minkah Fitzpatrick embracing him at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Three weeks after recording a career-high four tackles against the Bulldogs, the Texas native took on Austin Appleby, Antonio Callaway and a struggling Gators offense.
Known for being a hard hitter, Brown had no issues aiding the Tide in stifling Florida’s run game. While Jim McElwain’s crew totaled nothing on 30 carries, Brown’s chance to victimize a former Purdue quarterback came in the second quarter. Trailing 26-9 and facing a third down with six yards to go, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier decides to have Appleby attack Brown.
Once he established position on Ahmad Fulwood (6-foot-4, 211 pounds), Brown looked back for the ball and wrestled it away for his second pick of the year. A five-star prospect, he earned the chance hold the “Ball Out” turnover belt for the second time and collected three total tackles. Junior defensive end Da’Shawn Hand was one of numerous players that yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine spoke with after the game. The first thing Hand uttered in regards to Brown was how smart the third-year player is as an on ball defender.
“He’s going to be a field general,” Hand said on Brown. “We feed off each other, so when he got a pick, when Minkah got pick or when we cause a fumble, the energy flows through the team.”
Brown was presented with the Unsung Hero Award on Sunday at the team’s award banquet.
The honor goes to the player who has made significant contributions to the success of the team and received the least recognition for it. Joining Brown as winners were: Rashaan Evans, Hootie Jones and Cam Sims.
He’s now a three-time SEC champion, however, Brown can now do something that was negated from him last season—participate in the College Football Playoff.
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.
