TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It is not expected for Nick Saban to be happy in the extent of losing a player to an injury, but in terms of having others that can emerge and deliver winning football, the University of Alabama head coach has proceeded to continue moving forward.
After seeing freshman linebacker Dylan Moses go down with a broken foot at Tuesday’s practice, sophomore safety Deionte Thompson survived an injury scare of his own.
While Moses is out indefinitely, Thompson returned to practice on Wednesday and was able to participate in positional drills.
According to Saban, the native Texan and former four-star prospect of the 2015 class suffered a ‘lower leg bruise’ in the team’s fifth postseason session.
With Hootie Jones out (knee) and Tony Brown serving as a liability at times, the Crimson Tide turns to Thompson in its College Football Playoff semifinal game against Clemson. He has not played much on defense; however, Thompson has excelled in situations where he’s in action.
To give a better perspective of his playing style, he tackles like junior safety Ronnie Harrison and has the intelligence of All-America safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Thompson has been Fitzpatrick’s understudy from all season, dating back to spring practice and fall camp.
In terms of finding the right combination to limit Clemson’s weapons, Saban said Alabama is working in several different guys. Overall, he remains very confident in Thompson’s abilities.
“He’s really improved a lot throughout the course of the year,” Saban said of Thompson.
“He has really good range. We need him to play well for us. We certainly feel like his capable to do it and when he has had the opportunity to play this year, he has played well. I am not happy that Hootie is not going to be here and he’s a senior and we would love to see him compete in these playoff games, but I’m excited for Deionte and the opportunity he may have.”
Thompson had 18 tackles, one tackle for loss and an interception through 12 games.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
