He was the spark needed for Alabama’s offensive line against Tennessee and LSU, but a turf toe injury versus Mississippi State ended Deonte Brown’s day in the second half.
As the Crimson Tide struggled to generate production with Lester Cotton stepping in at left guard, its defense did more than enough to secure the 24-0 victory over the Bulldogs.
Brown, a redshirt sophomore, has not been seen all week in practice for this weekend’s meeting versus the Citadel and according to head coach Nick Saban, the team “gave him a few days off” to heal from the mishap.
After enrolling at Alabama at a staggering 380 pounds, Brown’s commitment to the process of being in shape and desire to contribute to the team has dropped him to a playing weight of 344 pounds. Listed at 6-foot-4, the product of Austin High School (Decatur, Ala.) and a top-10 offensive guard nationally, Brown has provided the Tide with a physical road grader for its running backs and a good pass protector inside for Tua Tagovailoa.
Per Saban, Brown is listed as “day-to-day” and said that these types of injuries will linger without proper rest. Ex-Tide star Eddie Lacy had his share of problems with turf toe throughout his career, but at least Brown may be able to go next week against Auburn.
While he has been spotted with the first team all week, there is concern as to whether Cotton can mentally handle being a dominant force. The Tuscaloosa native has had moments of brilliance at guard and situations where he has been inconsistent. Another name that needs to be considered for Saturday if Brown cannot participate is Matt Womack. A redshirt junior, Womack was Alabama’s starting right tackle all of 2017.
Regardless of his problems with handling speedy edge rushers, his technique in run blocking is second to none. Listed at 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, the native Mississippian lost his starting job due to injury rather than defeated via competition.
Behind Womack, running back Damien Harris achieved his second straight 1,000-yard season and the Tide was able to capture a College Football Playoff national title. He wants a second chance to earn a starting role on this team, and depending on if Saban choses to play him against the Bulldogs, Womack has the capabilities to put himself back into a marquee contributing spot.
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 @CoachingMSmith.
