The University of Alabama led the Southeastern Conference for most players named to the Preseason All-SEC Teams voted on by media pundits at SEC Football Media Days.
Alabama had 19 players selected, including 10 first-teamers. Brian Branch was one name that did not make a list.
RELATED: Alabama sees league-best 19 players named to Preseason All-SEC Teams
He was the most dominant defensive back for the Crimson Tide late in 2021. The 6-foot, 193-pounder played his best in matchups against Auburn, Georgia, Cincinnati, and Georgia again. He ended the season with 55 tackles (five for loss), a sack, and a team-high nine pass breakups. Jordan Battle and Eli Ricks were voted first-team by the media. Ricks missed games at LSU last season because of a shoulder injury, but the media believes he can bring the same value to Alabama as he did for the Tigers.
Branch has an opportunity to show out in the fall and prove the media wrong for leaving him off.
He was one of the team’s best tacklers last year and wants to improve his production.
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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.
