With a lot of hype surrounding running back Trent Richardson in the offensive backfield, safety Mark Barron is a force to be reckoned with who should be receiving the same hype in the defensive backfield.
A senior this season, Barron was projected as one of the top safeties if he entered the 2011 NFL Draft, but he decided to return to Tuscaloosa for his final year.
He was just placed on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik award—which is given to college football's best defensive player each year.
Barron is a very physical player, in the back-end of 'Bama's defense, and that allows him to make some big hits and defend the run better than most in the SEC at his position. His 6'2" and 210 pound frame and mid-4.5 40-yard time enables him to play fast and hard.
A very intelligent player, Barron is capable of lining up in coverage and in various spots of defensive formations. He will need to refine his coverage skills a bit more in his final collegiate season and before entering the NFL.
While being a physical player, Barron tends to be too aggressive at times and overplay the ball, or he won't take the proper angle for tackles. And since he does not have top-tier speed, his ability to recover with his feet can be tested on game day too.
Overall, Barron brings two years of starting experience, and that alone is invaluable to help the defensive unit. As long as he can continue to develop and progress with his abilities on-the-field, Barron will be one of the top defensive backs going into the 2012 NFL Draft next spring.
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