Alabama's Secondary Just Got Stronger: Menzie On The Mend

Less than four months after tearing his achilles tendon, which required a surgical repair, the junior college transfer is running at full speed and participating in 7-on-7 drills with his Alabama teammates.

DeQuan Menzie was injured in a football workout, and later snapped his tendon in a pick-up basketball game during the same week. He had the injury surgically repaired on Thursday, April 1st, according to a prior report posted on Al.com.

In a recent statement by Alabama quarterback, Greg McElroy, "He is at full speed in the 7-on-7 workouts. It's a testament to his dedication to rehab and the hard work he has put in to get himself ready."

Menzie was expected to be out four to six months with the injury and made a statement in April that 2010 would likely be asking for a redshirt year. Now, that may not be the case. A player with Menzie's experience in the secondary would be a big boost to the Alabama defense.

More than two years ago, Menzie was recruited by Kirby Smart for the 2008 signing class. He is a graduate from Carver High School, Columbus, Georgia. Academics caused the young man to make a detour to Copiah-Lincoln Community College, located in Wesson, Mississippi.

DeQuan Menzie ranked #14 of all JUCO players in 2009 and was rated as the number two defensive back. Menzie was a leader on defense, a team that finished first in pass defense and second in total defense for the MCAJC Region.

Menzie finished his JUCO sophomore season with 51 tackles (36 solo), and one interception. He returned punts and pulled off one fake punt for a touchdown in 2009. He was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association Second Team All-American.

He was also selected NJCAA All-Region 23, Mississippi Community and Junior College (MCAJC) Most Valuable Defensive Back and MCAJC First Team All-State.