TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– After losing Maurice Smith, Kendall Sheffield and Shawn Burgess-Becker to transfers, Alabama’s secondary was once again thought to be its weakest link. Seeing Tony Brown on a four-game suspension added more to the concern, leaving Marlon Humphrey, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison and Eddie Jackson (prior to injury) to run the defensive backfield for the first couple of months. Despite him being a first-year starter, the Crimson Tide has another New Jersey native that’s emerged as a “lockdown” cornerback.
Anthony Averett does not roll off the tongue when one talks about dominant players; however, with each game he’s continued to build confidence and perfect his technique. Listed at 6-feet and 180 pounds, Averett was a reserve defender and scout team player for two seasons. After getting tested early by Southern California’s receiver Darreus Rogers, the redshirt junior would strap down almost every elite target he faced.
A match-up with Mississippi State’s Fred Ross and Donald Gray provided Tide fans an opportunity to watch him work. While Ross was held without a catch, Gray’s lone two receptions on Averett came in the third quarter. Bulldogs’ quarterback Nick Fitzgerald saw his main duo limited to six combined grabs for 99 yards, which affected his completion percentage—30.3 percent. Through 14 games, Damore’ea Stringfellow (Ole Miss) and Josh Reynolds (Texas A&M) were the only two targets that scored on Averett’s side of the field.
For Tennessee, LSU and Florida, Jauan Jennings, Travin Dural and Antonio Callaway all combined for just six receptions versus Averett. Going into the contest against Alabama, Washington’s impact star John Ross was a 1,000-yard wide out with 17 touchdowns. When the smoke cleared after the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, the 2016 Biletnikoff Award semifinalist tied his season-low with five catches for 28 yards. Averett even stripped Ross of the football in the first quarter, helping the Crimson Tide obtain a 24-7 win over the Huskies in Atlanta.
Following a 54-16 beat down of Florida in the Southeastern Conference title game, he said that he takes the utmost pride in frustrating receivers. “My goal is to cause havoc and makes plays on the ball,” Averett said.
He had an all-around game against Huskies, both shutting down Ross and cutting off angles in run support.
Averett prevented running backs Myles Gaskin and Lavon Coleman from the perimeter, which limited Washington to 44 yards rushing on 13 carries. He would also post his first career sack, getting home to quarterback Jake Browning on a blitz in the second half. During the week leading up the Chattanooga game, Saban used the first minutes of his presser to heap praise upon Averett for his development.
“He’s (Averett) played well for us all year long,” Saban said. “He hasn’t given up a lot of plays. He plays smart, keeps people cut off and silently goes about his business, but does a good job.”
With him thoroughly embracing the next man up role, Averett was finally able to add his name among the coaching staff’s players of the week—a honor he received after the Peach Bowl.
“He’s (Averett) been a very consistent player for us all year long,” Saban said. “He probably gets a little overlooked based on some of our other players, but he’s played well for us.”
For another player who had to wait his turn, next week’s challenge will be the toughest for Averett.
Clemson’s entire receiving unit is at Deshaun Watson’s disposal, and it’s led by Mike Williams. Williams, who missed much of 2015, has 1,267 yards and 10 scores. With multiple players stating how the Tigers did not see the “real Alabama defense” last year, Averett and company expect to ring some bells at Raymond James Stadium.
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.
