Alabama’s Brian Branch might be the most underrated DB in college football

The start of the 2022 college football season is just around the corner and the anticipation continues to grow daily. Lately, USC‘s and UCLA’s move to the Big Ten has dominated the headlines in the sport, but I want to turn the conversation back over to what the game is all about in the first place, the players.

Some players like Bryce Young receive a lot of attention around the clock. For others, it’s hard to receive the appropriate amount of recognition.

One such player is Alabama defensive back Brian Branch. Branch is entering his third season in Tuscaloosa and has quietly had a strong start to his college career.

During his freshman campaign, Branch appeared in nine games totaling 27 tackles, seven passes defended and one interception. Branch would see his role increase during his sophomore season, where he compiled 55 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack and nine passes defended.

If those numbers alone aren’t enough to impress you, PFF College released this insane stat regarding Branch. He has only missed one tackle in the last two seasons.

Branch doesn’t receive a lot of love nationally when compared to other defensive backs. His teammates Jordan Battle and Eli Ricks have both received some preseason recognition, but Branch is the overlooked member of the Alabama secondary.

Branch’s consistency is what makes him such a valuable asset in the backend of the Alabama defense. If Branch can continue to develop and improve his game, he will most likely become more of a household name during his junior season.

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