Former defensive standout, Jeremy Nunley, passes away

Former Alabama-standout defensive tackle Jeremy Nunley passed away last night. It appears to be have been unexpected, and he went peacefully at home with his family at hand.

Nunley was one of the outstanding defenders of the Curry regime that Gene Stallings inherited. Playing as a true freshman out of Winchester, Tennessee, Nunley recovered three fumbles. He was a four-year player with the Tide, and was a two-time All-SEC performer. Nunley was drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft, but played just 12 games in three years as a pro. He was a true tweener: at 6’5” 278, he was more suited for the end, but had performed better on the inside in college.

Older fans may in particular remember the 1993 molly-whomping that Alabama’s defense put on the South Carolina Gamecocks led by the brash Steve Taneyhill. After a week of jawing by the mulleted wonder, Nunley told him it was time to learn respect. And it was. The Tide’s defense shutdown Sparky Woods’ aerial attack in Columbia that day, with Jeremy Nunley and Shannon Brown chasing him into his worst day as an SEC quarterback.

Rest in peace Jeremy, may the ground lie softly on you.