The All-Iron Bowl team is compiled of the best Alabama football players at their position during the Nick Saban Era.
The Iron Bowl is arguably the best rivalry in all of sports. There have been some memorable moments by current and former Alabama football players that will be engrained in our minds forever.
Regardless of production during their respective seasons, this team is based solely on player performances in the Iron Bowl.
Head Coach Nick Saban has always been a fan of the Iron Bowl, even before coming to Tuscaloosa, and admits that it means more when you’re involved.
"“I’ve always had a lot of appreciation for this rivalry even before being here, but I don’t think you understand the significance of a rivalry until you’re involved in it.”"
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To stand out as an Alabama football player is a great accomplishment. To stand out in the Iron Bowl will get you Crimson Tide immortality. So, here are players for Alabama’s All-Iron Bowl offensive, defensive, and special teams since 2007:
All-Iron Bowl Offense:
QB – AJ McCarron (2012) – 15-for-21 216-yards 4 TDs
RB – Trent Richardson (2011) – 27 carries 203-yards 1-yard receiving TD
RB – Derrick Henry (2015) – 46 carries 271-yards 1 TD
WR – Amari Cooper (2014) – 13 receptions 224-yards 3 TDs
WR – Julio Jones (2010) – 10 receptions 199-yards 1 TD
TE – Brad Smelley (2011) – 6 receptions 86-yards 1 TD
LT – Cyrus Kouandijo (2012); LG – Chance Warmack (2013)
C – Ryan Kelly (2015)
RG – Barrett Jones (2009); RT – Andre Smith (2008)
The Alabama football defenses under Nick Saban have been so dominant, picking the Iron Bowl group of players was a challenge.
All-Iron Bowl Defense:
DT – Terrence Cody (2008) – 3 tackles 1 TFL 0.5 sack
DT – Jonathan Allen (2016) – 6 tackles 2 TFL
DE – Ryan Anderson (2016) – 6 tackles 2 TFL 1 sack
DE – Courtney Upshaw (2010) – 10 tackles 3 sacks 2 forced fumbles
LB – Rolando McClain (2009) – 12 tackles 1 sack
LB – C.J. Mosley (2013) – 14 tackles
LB – Dont’a Hightower (2011) – 9 tackles
CB – Geno Smith (2015) – 8 tackles 1 forced fumble
CB – Dee Milliner (2011) – 1 interception returned for a TD
FS –Nick Perry (2014) – 13 tackles 2 TFL 1 interception
SS – Landon Collins (2013) – 9 tackles 1 forced fumble 1 fumble recovery
All-Iron Bowl Special Teams:
K – Jeremy Shelley (2011)
P – JK Scott (2016)
KR – Javier Arenas (2009)
*Honorable Mentions*
RB – Glenn Coffee (2008) K – Adam Griffith (2016)
RB – Mark Ingram (2010) RB – Eddie Lacy (2012)
RB – T.J. Yeldon (2013) QB – Greg McElroy (2010)
LB – Trey Depriest (2014) SS – Nick Perry (2014)
WR – Ardarius Stewart (2016)
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The Iron Bowl kicks off Saturday, November 25 at 3:30pm ET. We’ll see if the current players can put forth a performance to get themselves on Alabama’s next All-Iron Bowl team.