Brian Branch explains personal progress entering 2022 season

Alabama is experimenting with some shifting around after a disappointing 2021 campaign on the defensive side of the football. One place in particular where the Crimson Tide look to be much improved is the secondary, where they return several starters. But one returner in specific, Brian Branch, is testing his positional limits.

Branch was a four-star safety out of high school. The No. 71 overall player in his class, per the On3 Consensus. But heading into his junior season, Branch is wearing all four suits in the secondary, so to speak. He’s still a safety by designation. However, he’s also trying out the hybridg LB/DB “star” position, as well as working a little bit at cornerback.

At a recent press conference, he was asked to update that process of transitioning to play a little bit of corner. Here was his answer:

“Working at cornerback was good. I learned some press techniques that, like, will help me in the future I believe. And just really going between corner and star, like the different, like I said, techniques can be very useful to me I feel like. So I just learned a different place, how to work at corner. Focusing on the little things. I feel like the previous years I wasn’t. I was more result-oriented and I didn’t focus on little things. So I tried my best to, like, really hold on. Like, focus on detailed little details and I think that’s going to make me a better player.”

After keeping his eye on the prize as an underclassmen, the more seasoned Branch is entering year three by taking a step back and making sure he has all the details down. A more focused, versatile Brian Branch is about to take the football field.

Branch on Alabama CBs McKinstry, Ricks

As part of that same press conference, Branch was also asked to evaluate two other defensive backs, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Eli Ricks. Perhaps the Tide’s two starting cornerbacks this fall.

“Kool-Aid has developed really good. He knows the plays, getting to know the plays better. His technique is improving I feel like. And I feel like he’s getting more confident and comfortable. So I feel like when he gets confident and comfortable, then he’s a great player.”

A lot of potential for Kool-Aid. Not just on the field, but also in NIL opportunities, one would think. Another CB with a lot of potential, who could earn himself first or second-day NFL Draft consideration with a good year, is LSU transfer Eli Ricks. He shined in Baton Rouge as a true freshman but dealt extensively with injuries a year ago. After moving on from the Tigers post-Orgeron, Ricks landed with the Tide. Where Brian Branch has plenty to rave about him.

“Eli, he’s he’s coming along. In the beginning, I feel, I believe he was hurt a little bit. But he was still practicing and that shows toughness on his part. And I feel like he’s getting more…back to his old self. And I expect big things from him this year.”

For Alabama, expectations are always big. They will be for Eli Ricks. And also for Brian Branch and Kool-Aid McKinstry. According to Branch, though, this crew could be pretty elite this year.