It was reported Friday night that defensive back Mark Barron was expected to return to Alabama in 2011.
Saturday, the expected came to fruition.
At a press conference attended by head coach Nick Saban, Barron announced that he will play his senior season with the Tide instead of jumping early to the NFL. Barron also confirmed that a torn labrum suffered in the Iron Bowl loss to Auburn played a fairly significant role in his decision to return for another season.
“It played an important role in a big decision,” said Barron. “That made it even more frustrating. It was frustrating but I feel I made the right decision in doing what I’m doing.”
Saban said that, with Barron’s announcement, all of his draft-eligible underclassmen have made their decisions on their football future. In the end, the Tide will lose three starters to the NFL -- running back Mark Ingram, wide receiver Julio Jones and defensive lineman Marcell Dareus.