REPORT: Alabama DB Ha Ha Clinton-Dix Is Suspended Indefinitely

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Ha

Preseason All-American and Alabama defensive back Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is suspended indefinitely.

Losing Clinton-Dix strikes a major blow to a Crimson Tide secondary that had been an area for concern through Alabama’s first three games. The Tide gave up 464 yards passing to Texas A&M in Week 3, but bounced back with a solid Week 5 performance against Ole Miss.

Vinnie Sunseri touted the secondary’s overall performance to AL.com’s Michael Casagrande after shutting down the Rebels.

"“I feel like that game solidified our secondary,” Sunseri said. “Everybody kind of came together in a good way and had great communication.”"

Freshman Eddie Jackson flourished against the Rebels, making his first career interception. The Tide have just four interceptions on the season, with opposing offenses throwing away from Clinton-Dix’s location in the secondary.

New contributors like Jackson emerging as threats changes the dynamic, but losing the veteran leadership and proven play-making ability of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix deals this unit a major blow, just as it was coming together.

The good news for Alabama is the upcoming schedule is decided light. The Crimson Tide face Georgia State in a non-conference tilt this weekend, with Kentucky, Arkansas and Tennessee to follow. The three SEC opponents won a combined 11 games last season.

Nov. 9 is the date to watch. The LSU Tigers visit Tuscaloosa, boasting a revamped passing attack under quarterback Zach Mettenberger and the talented wide receiving tandem of Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry.