TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– All first round expectations for this year’s University of Alabama football athletes on defense include Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster, Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson and Marlon Humphrey.
Safety Eddie Jackson and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson may not go as high, but both turned in solid careers at the Capstone. On Tuesday, Jackson and Tomlinson agreed to terms with Sports Trust Advisors: a full service sports management firm representing professional athletes.
Located in Atlanta, Ga., Sports Trust has nearly 80 years of combined experience. The brand has represented dozens of first round draft picks and Pro Bowlers, while negotiating billions of dollars in NFL contracts.
It prides itself on recruiting athletes with good ability and character.
Team Captain. Mid-season All American. @AlabamaFTBL record holder for career INT return yards. Welcome, @EJackson_4! #LegendsLiveHere pic.twitter.com/Jgm8kCwyKV
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) January 17, 2017
Jackson, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., enrolled at Alabama in 2013.
Through a four-year career, he accounted for 130 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, a sack, 12 pass breakups and nine interceptions (three for touchdowns). He carved a niche for himself on special teams during the 2016 season, returning 11 punts for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Despite a season-ending leg injury holding him to eight games, Jackson remained a pulsing figuring helping Alabama win a Southeastern Conference championship and make its third straight appearance in the College Football Playoff national title game.
.@AlabamaFTBL's Renaissance Man. A dominant force on one of the nation's best defenses. Welcome, @DalvinTomlinson! #LegendsLiveHere pic.twitter.com/Nif8eFksJq
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) January 17, 2017
Tomlinson, who hails from McDonaugh, Ga., signed in the Tide’s 2012 recruiting class.
After redshirting his freshman year and battling back from two knee injuries, he managed to turn in 112 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, 10 pass breakups and 13 quarterback hurries in his career.
Fully healthy, the 305-pounder totaled 62 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass breakups and seven quarterback hurries in 2016—his best season on the defensive line. Jackson and Tomlinson join former Tide standouts Eddie Lacy Donta Hightower and Dee Milliner as the latest additions to Sports Trust.
Hightower is eyeing a second Super Bowl championship with the New England Patriots.
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.
