Alabama football kicked off fall camp Thursday, Aug. 4.
Fans of the Crimson Tide are excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program look to reclaim the crown of national champions. With the start of college football quickly approaching, the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews of the top 30 players on Alabama’s roster.
Following Cameron Latu, we are down to defensive back Brian Branch at No. 8.
Brian Branch
-Classification: Junior
–Position: Defensive Back
-Hometown: Tyrone, Ga.
-Height: 6-0
-Weight: 193 pounds
–Strengths: Experience, hard-hitter, secure tackler, good coverage/ball skills, instinctive, versatile (can pressure quarterbacks)
-Weaknesses: Fine-tuning his technique
SUMMARY:
Brian Branch finished last year as one of Alabama’s best defensive backs.
He arrived as a top safety prospect from Georgia in the 2020 class. After totaling seven pass breakups and two interceptions during his freshman season, Branch defined himself as a secure tackler in 2021. He can play as a box safety, in coverage for the Crimson Tide’s nickel package, or free safety. His versatility allowed him an opportunity to work at cornerback in fall practice.
The 6-foot, 193-pounder had 55 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, a fumble recovery, a quarterback hurry, and a team-high nine breakups as a sophomore. Branch is experienced in the defensive backfield, but he models his game after Troy Polamalu and Tyran Mathieu. He loves to lower the boom on running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends that cross his path. Branch told reporters in preseason camp he expects this defense for Alabama to be the best in the Nick Saban era. He spoke about the secondary having confidence and everyone being on the same page. Branch has a chance to become a high-round draft pick.
He has to fine-tune his technique in the little things as a full-time starter. Branch is ready to put the details he’s learned into action.
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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.
