For his next run of multiple national championships, Nick Saban is bringing in people that thoroughly understand and have been around Alabama football.
While the rumors of Bo Davis and Lance Thompson returning to the program continue to generate interest on social media, a former player has already decided to come home.
Per a report from Matt Zenitz of AL.com, Vinnie Sunseri is expected to serve as a defensive graduate assistant on Saban’s staff. The 25-year-old played under Saban for the Crimson Tide from 2011-13, following his recruitment as a three-star from Northridge High School.
Coming from a solid program in Tuscaloosa, Ala., was not the most physically imposing player at 6-feet, but he was an exceptional student of the game. As the son of a coach, Sunseri was gifted in dissecting plays, having teammates in the right spots and tracking the football.
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He turned in 104 career tackles as a safety, while posting seven pass breakups and four interceptions – including two returned for touchdowns. His junior year was cut short in 2013, due to a serious knee injury.
Sunseri was pivotal on two BCS national championship teams (2011, 2012) and a Southeastern Conference title squad in 2012. Despite not having much success in the National Football League, he was taken in the fifth round of the 2014 draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Sunseri spent three years in the league with New Orleans, New England and San Francisco.
He posted a photo to Twitter on Wednesday, showing a sign that he’s back. Former Alabama gymnastics head coach, Sarah Patterson took notice immediately and is very excited.
New Chapter… Same school?? pic.twitter.com/jJiFro9g04
— Vinnie Sunseri (@vsunseri3) January 17, 2019
A once Tide standout has returned to mold the next generation of talent.
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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.
