He arrived in Alabama’s 2020 signing class as a highlight reel for interceptions, but Brian Branch unveiled a more consistent aspect of his game last season.
Branch was a tackling machine in his sophomore campaign. No one broke free from him on plays as the native Georgian recorded 55 tackles, including five for loss and a sack.
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He collected a team-high nine pass breakups, a quarterback hurry, and a fumble recovery, but Branch highlighted his tackling prowess to reporters during the Crimson Tide’s spring practice. The 6-foot, 193-pounder is preparing for a marquee junior year, but Pro Football Focus had an interesting graphic for Branch. He had the most tackles (45) without a miss among all defenders in college football last season. Branch turned up his production in Alabama’s last five games, pushing it to a Southeastern Conference Championship, a Cotton Bowl victory, and a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance.
Brian Branch: Most tackles (45) without a miss among ALL defenders in College Football last season💪 pic.twitter.com/XxYDm9Bty2
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 10, 2022
He wants a national title and a high NFL Draft stock. Branch looks to continue his beast mode tackling and generate some turnovers for Alabama’s secondary in the fall.
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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.
