For the first time in six games, he knows he’s about to see the field.
Deonte Brown has been practicing with Alabama, despite serving a four-game suspension, but now he is working with intent of playing against Mississippi. The redshirt junior took reps in Monday’s session and looks forward to bringing some nastiness to the rushing attack.
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 338 pounds, one cannot deny the impact the four-star had through five starts on the offensive line in 2018. He solidified the group at left guard against Tennessee, helping the Crimson Tide rack up 545 yards – including 218 rushing in a 58-21 victory.
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A native of Decatur, Ala., Brown made his second start versus LSU and his performance earned him player of the week honors from Alabama’s coaching staff. He brought balance to the Tide, blocking for 281 rushing yards (Damien Harris, 107) and 576 total yards in a 29-0 win.
In matchups versus Auburn and Georgia, Brown assisted Alabama’s passing attack and running game to new heights. The Tide posted 4.7 yards per carry and dropped 52 points on a Tigers’ defense that was ranked 10th in college football.
As for the Bulldogs, he set the pace for Josh Jacobs to have 83 yards rushing with two touchdowns on eight carries.
Brown not only cleared the way for 10.4 yards per rush, but he also positioned Jacobs to the Most Valuable Player of the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.
His size, strength, hands and attitude are tone setters this group needs on the front line. After the team showed a form of life in the run game last week, having Brown back should generate more consistency.
Nick Saban stated that he has to fight for his job back, but knowing Brown, the young man embraces competition.
Evan Neal, true freshman, is currently at left guard. He is improving at the position; however, he is not Brown.
The native Floridian is more suited at offensive tackle, yet Neal is serving in the role Alex Leatherwood was in last season.
Even with the dominance he has in helping running backs, Brown is no slouch in pass protection.
Tua Tagovailoa had 300-plus passing yards in two of the five games Brown started in, and he didn’t allow a sack of the native Hawaiian in those contests.
His return is the key to what offensive coordinator, Steve Sarkisian said before the start of the season.
In every coaching stop he’s made, Sark has produced at least one 1,000-yard rusher.
He wants to have productive backs and receivers, so Brown’s return is huge.
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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.
