Alabama cornerback Anthony Averett underwent sports hernia surgery following spring practice, according to AL.com’s Matt Zenitz.

Averett joined fellow defensive standout Christian Miller, who had the same surgery Monday.

The rising senior Averett is key to Alabama’s secondary in 2017. At a position of need, Averett is a returning starter who has experience and has really blossomed into one of the SEC’s top returning cornerbacks ahead of the season.

He recorded 48 tackles and a team-high eight pass breakups during 2016’s national championship run. Averett was one of the quieter signees for Alabama during the 2013 recruiting cycle, and despite being recruited as a safety, he’s become a nice prospect at corner.

Both Miller and Averett are expected to be fine before the start of the season.