Brian Branch provides scouting report on Alabama transfer cornerback Eli Ricks

On top of the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation, Nick Saban brought in three big additions this offseason for the 2022 season. Former LSU Tigers cornerback Eli Ricks opted to transfer to Alabama and he is already leaving a good impression with his new teammates. Returning safety Brian Branch shared his scouting report for Ricks on Tuesday.

“Eli is tall, he’s a good solid DB,” Branch said. “I feel like he has good technique and he has the skillset to be one of the best corners in the league.”

Ricks was on the way to being one of the top corners in the SEC after his freshman season. However, his 2021 season was short. He suffered a season-ending injury after six games. As a true freshman, he racked up 20 tackles (11 solo stops), half a tackle for a loss, nine passes defended, four interceptions and two touchdowns.

Branch isn’t the only Crimson Tide defender impressed with the third-year cornerback.

“Definitely talented,” former Vol Henry To’oTo’o said of Ricks. “He works really, really hard. Ever since he came in, day one, he wanted to learn, he wanted to work out in the weight room 24/7. He wanted to get in off-field work. He’s been in the training room 24/7, so whenever I’m in there, I see him in there. So, it’s the little things like that that you kind of take note of with players like that, and know that he’s going to be a good addition to the program.”

Saban updates status of wide receiver Agiye Hall

News broke Tuesday that Agiye Hall is no longer on the Alabama football roster online. Wednesday, Nick Saban made it official: He received a suspension for a violation of team rules.

Saban met the media and confirmed the decision. He didn’t go into detail, but made it clear it’s a suspension.

“He is suspended from the team for violations of some team rules, whether they’re academic or whatever, it doesn’t really matter,” Saban said, via AL.com’s Mike Rodak. “Everybody has a responsibility and obligation to respect the principles and values.”

A reporter later asked Saban what it would take for Hall to earn his way back onto the team. Saban answered before the question finished.

“He already had that opportunity once, so I don’t know what his plans are for the future,” Saban said.

On3’s Sean Labar contributed to this report.