Alabama defensive back pens farewell, declares for NFL draft

Alabama cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis officially announced his intention to enter the 2022 NFL Draft, penning a farewell message on his social media account. The former four-star recruit played 29 games over three seasons after redshirting his first year with a knee injury.

After emerging as a key special teams player in 2019 and 2020, Armour-Davis capitalized on 2021 departures to become an instrumental part of Alabama’s secondary on the way to the national championship game. He finished 2021 with 32 tackles, seven pass deflections and three interceptions playing across from Josh Jobe before injuries set back both starters.

With Jalyn Armour-Davis set for the 2022 NFL Draft, Alabama will lean on Kool-Aid McKinstry and Khyree Jackson, the cornerbacks who filled in down the stretch, along with incoming transfer and former All-SEC selection Eli Ricks.

Another Alabama defensive back returns

ESPN’s Chris Low was the first to report that Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jordan Battle was “expected to return” next year. A few hours later, Battle confirmed that he would be back in Tuscaloosa for the 2022 season.

Battle made the official announcement via Instagram on Friday night. After losing the national championship to Georgia, the safety said “the job is not done yet” and is looking to add another ring to his collection.

“These last three years have been nothing but a blessing to me and my family,” Battle said. I’m incredibly grateful to play for the greatest coach of all time, alongside the best players at the college level. Competing at the University of Alabama has not only made me a better player on the field, but also a great man off the field.

“Most importantly, I would like to thank God, as well as my family, friends, teammates, mentors, and those who have helped me get to this point of my life. However, I have not accomplished everything that I came to the University of Alabama to do.

“The job is not done yet.”