Everything Alabama DB Brian Branch said on Thursday
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama defensive back Brian Branch is poised for a breakout season. Over the last two years, the junior has played 914 total snaps with 10 starts. He’s proven to be a versatile defender who should find himself being utilized in a variety of ways in 2022.
On Tuesday, Branch spoke with the media for the first time in fall camp. The availability came with the Crimson Tide getting ready to hold practice No. 18 of 27, which means the team is only nine days away from the season opener against Utah State. Below, we’ve included everything Branch said during on Tuesday.
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On the improvement in the secondary…
“I think the secondaries coming along great. Chemistry is flowing. I think everybody’s getting along with each other. Everybody’s just trusting each other. So I think we’ll continue to do that work on the little things. It’s going to be good.”
On working at cornerback some during fall camp…
“Working at cornerback was good. I learned some press techniques that will help me in the future I believe. Going between corner and star the different techniques can be very useful to me I feel like. I just learned different plays and how to work at corner.”
On what he’s focused on improving during fall camp…
“Focusing on little things. I feel like the previous years, I was more result oriented and I didn’t focus on little things. So I try my best to really hone in on and focus on the little details. I think that’s going to make me a better player.”
On the toughest Alabama RB to tackle, plus this year’s power back…
“To be honest, all of them. They all bring their different (styles). They have different styles, and each and every last one of them was a hard tackle. I can’t really give you an answer on that.”
On the improvement from the cornerback group…
“The growth has been tremendous. I feel like everybody, every corner is taking practice more seriously. They’re working on their craft and I feel like if they continue to do that, we’ll have good corners.”
On how closely he’s going to watch Utah State in Week 0…
“We’re going to start practicing for Utah State on I believe Friday. But again to watch it I think I’m gonna sit down and watch it and get ahead.”
On the development of Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry…
“Kool-Aid has developed really good. He knows the plays more better. His technique is improving and I feel like he’s getting more confident, confident and comfortable. When he gets confident and comfortable, he’s a great player.”
On the opportunity to go up against former Alabama receiver Xavier Williams…
“Yes, Z will be a fun matchup. He talks a lot of crap. It’ll be real fun to go against an old teammate and I’m just really looking forward to it.”
On if there’s been any trash talk between the two…
“No, not this offseason.”
On Alabama cornerback Eli Ricks…
“He’s coming along. In the beginning of (camp), I believe he was hurt a little bit, but he was still practicing. That shows toughness on his par and I feel like he’s getting back to his old self. Expect big things from him this year.”
On how the safeties have progressed…
“I think we progress good. Having JB (Jordan Battle) and DeMarcco (Hellams) back there is a really good fit for us, two veterans. I feel like (we have) two big leaders in that position group. They just bring everybody together and having them back there is great. I feel like that’s going to help us out this year.”
On the potential of this year’s defense…
“The sky’s the limit for us. I just feel like as long as each in every last one of us do our job, day in day out and focus on little things, I think will be one tough defense.”
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