Early in the third quarter Saturday, as Alabama was in the process of widening its lead against Texas A&M, Alabama safety Xavier McKinney helped quash another drive by the Aggies. But he didn't end it by deflecting a pass or intercepting one.
Rather, he raced around the edge and sacked quarterback Kellen Mond, dropping him for a 10-yard loss during the Tide's 45-23 victory.
This season, McKinney has already blitzed 13 times -- an unusually high number for a first-year starter in the secondary.
But then again, the sophomore has become one the main cogs in Alabama's rebuilt defensive backfield, which has exceeded expectations.