Alabama has already lost three starters to early entry into the NFL draft.
Based on at least one report, there will not be an increase in that total.
The Tuscaloosa News is reporting that defensive back Mark Barron is expected to announce Saturday that he will not be joining Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Marcell Dareus in the draft pool and will instead remain with the Tide for his senior season. A press conference that will include Barron and head coach Nick Saban is scheduled for late this morning.
Barron tore a pectoral muscle in the Iron Bowl loss, which the News intimates played a significant role in his decision. With a recovery time of upwards of four months, Barron likely would’ve been very limited at best for the all-important NFL Scouting Combine in February.
Despite missing the Outback bowl due to the injury, Barron led the Tide in tackles with 75.