National Signing Day has come and gone, and Alabama’s 2020 recruiting class is officially set. There were 25 total members (26, if you count North Carolina grad transfer tight end Carl Tucker) with talent across the board.
In order for fans to get to know the Crimson Tide’s newest players, we have laid out a “get to know them” article for each member.
The next player up is four-star safety Brian Branch out of Sandy Creek High School in Georgia.
Brian Branch, Safety
Hometown: Tyrone (Ga.)
High school: Sandy Creek
Size: 6-0, 182
Early enrollee: No
247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 60 overall / No. 3 S
247Sports ranking: 4-star / No. 48 overall / No. 3
Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 84 overall / No. 4 S
ESPN ranking: 4-star / 84 overall grade / No. 3 S
Commitment date: Apr. 20, 2019
Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019
Where does he fit in? Branch was a standout player on both the offensive and defensive side of the football for Sandy Creek high school. At Alabama, however, the 6-foot, 182-pounder will settle into the secondary — safety in particular.
Branch will bring the type of presence the Crimson Tide needs on the back half of the defense. He’s good enough against the run, but it’s his ability to create big plays and turnovers which should help him see the field early in his career.
Alabama lost both of its starting safeties, Xavier McKinney and Jared Mayden, so the opportunity for Branch to earn a significant role during Year 1 is certainly a possibility. It’ll be an uphill battle after not being able to early enrollee, however.
Previous players:
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