[Tuck4Bama]

TUSCALOOSA -- A marquee player's senior season isn't supposed to be what Keith Brown has experienced. The beginning, certainly, didn't follow a standard script.

Brown returned in 2007 as Alabama's second-leading receiver. At 6-foot-3, he was a proven weapon on an offense that understood it would typically need excess points to win each week. He was the flashy, big-play complement to DJ Hall's rugged consistency, and, when healthy, one of the tougher one-on-one matchups in the Southeastern Conference.

So what was Brown doing with the second-string offense behind untested sophomore Mike McCoy?

There's always somebody out there that's better than you," Brown said of McCoy. "I've never forgotten that. This guy, he's a great player. I can't take that from a guy. He works hard every day."

Not only did McCoy pass Brown, the development foreshadowed Brown's opening game suspension due to team policy violations. Brown bought a ticket and watched coach Nick Saban's debut from the stands, being recognized by Alabama fans and wondering what went wrong.
"It was pretty tough, man," Brown said.

Three subsequent games later, Brown has quickly re-assumed the role he once held on the Crimson Tide. He played most of Saturday night's 26-23 overtime loss to Georgia and led Alabama with 73 receiving yards.

Brown caught three passes, but one was a 43-yard, fourth-quarter bomb from John Parker Wilson to ignite the Tide's game-tying touchdown drive. It could have been more. Brown nearly broke free from Georgia's defender, but lost balance after making the long reception.

"If I kept my feet, I'm going down the sideline," said Brown. "I'm always ready. When your number is called, you have to be ready. I've had (McCoy) come in and he's been making a big difference on the offense. I told him every day, 'It's your turn. Make it happen. And if you don't, I'm right behind you.'

Brown back in spotlight for Alabama- al.com

[Stoney]

Well don't drop the ball!