Former Robinson star Javier Arenas is a record-setting return man, but he also has become a leader on Alabama’s defense.

By JOEY JOHNSTON

The Tampa Tribune

(c) Tampa Bay Times. Originally published Dec. 4, 2009.

With only 37 more yards in Saturday’s SEC Championship Game against the Florida Gators – perhaps as simple as making the first defender miss, then turning the corner like he has done dozens of times – University of Alabama senior Javier Arenas will become the NCAA’s all-time leader in punt-return yardage.

Quite a leap, indeed.

Arenas, a former Robinson High School standout, seemed headed to Florida International University in 2006 before Alabama came calling late in the recruiting process.

Now he’s a cornerback for a 12-0 team, a leader on one of the nation’s best defenses, a guy known for his aggressive run support and tight coverage. Now he’s being linked to the NFL draft’s first round.

Arenas loves being recognized for his overall game – instead of being portrayed primarily as a “return man.”

“First and foremost, I think people used to know me and recognize me off my return game,” said Arenas, who is 5-foot-9, 198 pounds. “I think they recognize me now as a cornerback.”

And that recognition begins with Alabama coach Nick Saban.

“Javier is one of the most productive players on our defense,” Saban said. “He was a very good player for us last year, even as a defensive back, because of his experience playing the position. I think he’s more confident and he has eliminated a lot of his mental errors.”

“He does a lot for their team and you have to be aware of him,” Gators quarterback Tim Tebow said.

It’s easy to be aware of Arenas’ game-breaking ability on punt returns. He has seven career touchdowns on punt returns, an SEC record and one off the NCAA mark.

Against Auburn last week, he improved his career punt-return yardage total to 1,725, an SEC record that surpassed the 1,695 by Vanderbilt’s Lee Nalley from 1947-49.

Now he’s bearing down on the NCAA mark, set by Texas Tech’s Wes Welker from 2000-03.

“He has great speed, he’s tough, he has a low center of gravity and he’s very aggressive,” Florida coach Urban Meyer said. “He’s one of the best returners in America.”

As aggressive and fearless as Arenas appears to be while fielding a punt, he sometimes struggles to explain why he’s so effective.

“It’s a unit thing and it’s all 11 of us working together,” he said. “But me, individually, I think it’s just my natural ability, my instincts.”

Sometimes, Arenas must channel those instincts into a more sedate approach. Slowly, from his days at Robinson until now, he has learned that. Without sacrificing his passion, Arenas has become more efficient.

“It’s very hard (to be patient), especially when you’re someone like me,” Arenas said. “I have people on the sideline telling me, ‘Relax, calm down, be patient, it’s going to come to you.’ I need somebody in my corner to help me with things like that.

“I know you can do too much. I know that from experience, fumbling the ball, muffing the ball, all the worst you can expect. I always want to get back there and make a play. But I know you have to (pick your spots). That experience has helped me grow as a punt-return man.”

That growth spurt has been unmistakable.

Once, he was an unknown.

Now he’s one of Alabama’s giants.