In No. 10 Alabama’s 27-20 win over the Auburn Tigers on Saturday night, Zabien Brown stood out as he recorded four tackles, a pass defelection and only allowed four receptions for 26 yards.
What makes his performance even more impressive is the fact that he went up against Auburn’s star wide receiver, Cam Coleman, for most of the game, while only allowing a 42.4 passer rating in the 12 times that he was targeted.
Brown arrived on campus last year and immediately made an impact as a freshman. Starting in eight games for the Tide, he recorded 14 solo tackles, two pass deflections and three interceptions. His most notable play came as he sealed Alabama’s win over Georgia in Tuscaloosa last season, as he intercepted Georgia quarterback Carson Beck in the end zone.
This season, through all 12 games for the Crimson Tide, he’s recorded 15 solo tackles, four pass deflections, a forced fumble and an interception. Defensive lineman Tim Keenan III spoke on his development since he arrived in Tuscaloosa.
“He’s never satisfied,” Keenan said. “He’s always working. He might not be the loudest guy, but he’s loud with his work. He’s consistent. He’s a sponge; he soaks up everything. As long as he keeps going 1-0, keeps putting in the work, he’ll keep being successful.”
Linebacker Deontae Lawson also spoke on the star sophomore cornerback.
“Man, Zabien, ever since he first stepped on campus, he always been a pro in the way he went about his business,” Lawson said. “Not really the loudest in the room, but will definitely say something when he needs to this year. Yeah, his play is just on the rise. He’s definitely trending in the right direction. It’s great to have him out there on the edge. I know he’ll just continue to get better.”
Brown has been a key piece of Alabama’s defense and a major reason why the Crimson Tide has seen the success that it has in the secondary. But the job’s not over; he will have to finish out his sophomore year by facing Georgia for the third time in his career.
With the Tide’s Iron Bowl win, it secured a spot in the SEC Championship, and because Texas A&M lost to Texas on Friday, that will mean that the Crimson Tide will get another rematch with the Bulldogs.
Brown only recorded one win in the Tide’s matchup with Georgia earlier this season, but that may be due to him not getting thrown at because of his lockdown ability on the edges. He’ll look to continue his winning streak against Georgia on Saturday as he does whatever he can to ensure that his sophomore season doesn’t end too soon.
