It was a baptism by fire last season for Cyrus Jones, and the low point came in the second game of the season.
It was just Jones' second start at cornerback - he voluntarily switched from wide receiver to defensive back following his freshman season - and it was a rough one.
Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans posted a career day with 274 yards, and no corner Alabama put on the 6-foot-5 wideout, including Jones, could handle the job.
But even during the darkest game Jones flashed a little light.
His first career interception turned the Aggies away on second-and_goal from the UA 4 during a 14-all tie. Alabama scored the next 21 points and held on for the win.
Last Saturday night against West Virginia, Jones again provided the light in a dim defensive performance most would just like to forget happened.
Mountaineers quarterback Clint Trickett hit on 64 percent of his passes for 365 yards.
Don't look at Jones. He did his part.
Jones was named one of the coaching staff's players of the week for his effort, thanks largely to his consistent play.
He swatted the ball out of WVU receiver Kevin White's hands to prevent a touchdown and provided coverage on another pass in the end zone that went incomplete.
For the game he had one pass break-up and seven tackles.
"He was the one guy that consistently did what he was suppose to do in the secondary, and did a good job of covering," UA coach Nick Saban said. "He didn't give up many plays."
When they had a hard time containing White, who went for 143 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions, Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart moved Jones to the opposite side of the field to cover him.
On a fade route, Jones, listed at 5-10, made a late swat on the ball against the 6-3, 211-pound White to prevent a score.
"I knew what they were going to do. We talked about it in the huddle," Jones said. "(I was) Using the technique that coach Saban has taught us. Being in the right position."
That technique escaped the other cornerback, Bradely Sylve, who was repeatedly in close proximity to the wide receiver but never made a play on the ball. Sylve had coverage on several West Virginia explosive plays.
Former Alabama standout and eight-year NFL veteran Mark McMillian watched the game and said the problems can be fixed naturally as the season goes along.
"It's just a lack of experience," McMillian said. "They'll get it. These guys just need to relax a little bit and play under control. We all know how well Saban teaches these guys, how well he drills them. Once they get the experience, the techniques Saban's been teaching will come more naturally.
"They have to study the keys, read the splits, know the down and distance. Little things like that can help a guy make better plays and put himself in position to make plays. "Some people are caught up in how fast a guy can run the 40 or how high they can jump, but without the right technique it's nothing. You have to have good technique, good ball skills, take good angles."
Jones' continued development is key to the Alabama defense's improvement. He seems to be on his way. After the spring and a strong fall camp, Jones is playing with more consistency.
"…(He's) much more confident this year than a year ago, and has played really well," Saban said. "I think he has a good understanding, and (is) a smart guy. Has the poise to adjust. We thought he really did a good job."
- See more at: https://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1677678#sthash.akjWrwSa.dpuf
It was just Jones' second start at cornerback - he voluntarily switched from wide receiver to defensive back following his freshman season - and it was a rough one.
Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans posted a career day with 274 yards, and no corner Alabama put on the 6-foot-5 wideout, including Jones, could handle the job.
But even during the darkest game Jones flashed a little light.
His first career interception turned the Aggies away on second-and_goal from the UA 4 during a 14-all tie. Alabama scored the next 21 points and held on for the win.
Last Saturday night against West Virginia, Jones again provided the light in a dim defensive performance most would just like to forget happened.
Mountaineers quarterback Clint Trickett hit on 64 percent of his passes for 365 yards.
Don't look at Jones. He did his part.
Jones was named one of the coaching staff's players of the week for his effort, thanks largely to his consistent play.
He swatted the ball out of WVU receiver Kevin White's hands to prevent a touchdown and provided coverage on another pass in the end zone that went incomplete.
For the game he had one pass break-up and seven tackles.
"He was the one guy that consistently did what he was suppose to do in the secondary, and did a good job of covering," UA coach Nick Saban said. "He didn't give up many plays."
When they had a hard time containing White, who went for 143 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions, Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart moved Jones to the opposite side of the field to cover him.
On a fade route, Jones, listed at 5-10, made a late swat on the ball against the 6-3, 211-pound White to prevent a score.
"I knew what they were going to do. We talked about it in the huddle," Jones said. "(I was) Using the technique that coach Saban has taught us. Being in the right position."
That technique escaped the other cornerback, Bradely Sylve, who was repeatedly in close proximity to the wide receiver but never made a play on the ball. Sylve had coverage on several West Virginia explosive plays.
Former Alabama standout and eight-year NFL veteran Mark McMillian watched the game and said the problems can be fixed naturally as the season goes along.
"It's just a lack of experience," McMillian said. "They'll get it. These guys just need to relax a little bit and play under control. We all know how well Saban teaches these guys, how well he drills them. Once they get the experience, the techniques Saban's been teaching will come more naturally.
"They have to study the keys, read the splits, know the down and distance. Little things like that can help a guy make better plays and put himself in position to make plays. "Some people are caught up in how fast a guy can run the 40 or how high they can jump, but without the right technique it's nothing. You have to have good technique, good ball skills, take good angles."
Jones' continued development is key to the Alabama defense's improvement. He seems to be on his way. After the spring and a strong fall camp, Jones is playing with more consistency.
"…(He's) much more confident this year than a year ago, and has played really well," Saban said. "I think he has a good understanding, and (is) a smart guy. Has the poise to adjust. We thought he really did a good job."
- See more at: https://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1677678#sthash.akjWrwSa.dpuf
