A very busy news day continues for the University of Alabama.
Deonte Brown, a sophomore, did not participate in the College Football Playoff due to “violation of team rules” and then it became a bigger situation, when head coach Nick Saban said he and two others – Elliot Baker and Kedrick James – violated NCAA rules.
The 6-foot-4, 344-pound offensive lineman started at left guard for the Crimson Tide in its matchup against Tennessee and solidified its front line with toughness. Brown, a native of Decatur, Ala., improved the Tide’s rushing attack and was solid in pass protection.
RELATED: Four options to replace Deonte Brown for Alabama versus Oklahoma
After indefinitely suspending Brown, Saban never elaborated to the media on what occurred during the week of preparation for Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. With losing Jonah Williams to the upcoming NFL Draft and the likes of Ross Pierschbacher and Lester Cotton graduating, Alabama needs a strong presence up front.
Per Aaron Suttles of The Athletic, he said on his radio show — 3 Man Front, via WJOX 94.5 FM– that UA is in the process of filing an appeal on Brown’s four-game suspension for 2019.
Following the win over the Volunteers, Brown started four of the next five games – including the Southeastern Conference title game versus Georgia.
Offensively, the Tide totaled three 50-point contests with him as a starter.
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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.
