Alabama Football: Double boost of good news for Shaun Dion Hamilton

It has been a great couple of days for Shaun Dion Hamilton. The Alabama football team leader graduated and was cleared by doctors for regular football activity.

Alabama football has a storied history with linebackers. From Lee Roy Jordan to Reuben Foster, Tide middle linebackers have led many Crimson Tide teams to greatness. Shaun Dion Hamilton is the next man up and he can become as special as his predecessors.

At Montgomery-Carver High School Hamilton was the valedictorian of his senior class. As reported by Wesley Sinor of al.com Hamilton talked about his high school experience.

"“It’s an honor — not just being valedictorian, but knowing I’m a student-athlete and was able to accomplish that goal. It’s very humbling and it showed me that hard work pays off. I just made sure my time management was always good and remembered that I’m a student first and then an athlete.”"

As reported by Andrew Gribble of al.com, Nick Saban spoke highly of Hamilton after Shaun Dion chose to join the Crimson Tide.

"Nick Saban called him “the leader” of Alabama’s 2014 recruiting class. “He’s a very bright guy, which I think that’s a position where calls are made and responsibility for leadership are necessary. And he’s very strong in those two areas as well.”"

Middle linebackers are the quarterbacks of a defense. As important as their physical attributes, they must have sharp minds. Middle linebackers must process information quickly, particularly in this age of ‘blow and go’ football. They scan the field, look at the opponent’s personnel and anticipate the next formation and play call.

They do all this in seconds, plus relaying sideline calls and making their own reads in time to direct their teammates. It is a job not only for the physically gifted but also the brightest minds. To excel they must also add leadership ability to their repertoire.

Shaun Dion Hamilton is perfectly suited for the task. When  Charlie Potter of 247 Sports, asked Hamilton’s father about his son’s goals, the senior Hamilton replied:

"“To live up to the expectation of Alabama’s inside linebackers. The Reuben Fosters, the Rolando McClains, the C.J. Mosleys. That’s what his goal is. Alabama’s supposed to have the top linebacker in the nation. If it’s him or if it’s Rashaan Evans, that’s his goal, for Alabama to have the top linebacker in the nation.”"

Perhaps as important as any football goal, Hamilton wanted to earn an undergraduate degree before his senior season. He graduated Saturday with a degree in Business Mangement. Hamilton will enter graduate school in June.

Two days after graduation, Hamilton’s dad was excited to report his son is cleared for regular football activity. As reported by Charlie Potter:

"“Dr. (Lyle) Cain cleared him last Wednesday to go and start doing field-type activities,”"

A week of achievements for an exemplary young man. Alabama football is very lucky to have Shaun Dion Hamilton.

Next: Will 2017 Linebacker group be Tide's best ever?

We will update this story when the athletic department releases official word about Hamilton’s recovery from knee surgery and rehab.