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Alabama Football: Ten greatest Tide linebackers from past 30 years

By Ronald Moody

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Lineman Lorenzo Washington #97 and linebacker Rolando McClain #25 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate a play against the Texas Longhorns during the Citi BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Lineman Lorenzo Washington #97 and linebacker Rolando McClain #25 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrate a play against the Texas Longhorns during the Citi BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /
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Alabama Football
TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 22: Dont’a Hightower #30 and Courtney Upshaw #41 of the Alabama Crimson Tide react after a defensive stop against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 22, 2011, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

10

Courtney Upshaw Outside Linebacker

Alabama Crimson Tide 2008-2011

Courtney Upshaw was an integral part of the vicious 2011 defense that led the nation in rushing defense, passing defense and scoring defense. His senior season, Upshaw was devastating on the edge as a pass rusher. He finished with 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.

During the 2012 BCS Championship game against LSU, Upshaw grabbed the defensive MVP with seven tackles, a sack and a tackle for a loss.

After his standout performance in the 2011 Capital One Bowl against Michigan State, when he won the game’s MVP after tallying two sacks, five tackles, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Named as a first team All American by the Sporting News and Football Writers Association of America in 2011. Also, recognized as a Second Team All American team by the Associated Press.

He left Tuscaloosa with 141 tackles, 17.5 sacks and 36.5 tackles for loss.

9

Rashaan  Evans Inside and Outside Linebacker

Alabama Crimson Tide 2014-2017

This versatile linebacker made a tremendous impact in the national title game against Clemson when he spied Deshaun Watson. Saban inserting Rashaan Evans changed the game. He finished with three tackles and two sacks. Auburn fans regret that this Alabama star spurned them for the Crimson Tide.

During his senior season, he tallied 74 tackles along with six sacks. Before the season started, Evans tweeted he would win the Butkus Award. After suffering an injury in the first game, his play did not pick up until later in the season.

Biding his time, Rashaan’s only two starts his junior year were in the College Football Playoff replacing injured Shaun Dion Hamilton. Evans did not disappoint. In the championship game loss to Clemson, Evans registered 11 tackles along with a half sack.

Possessing good speed and length, Evans patiently waited for his time to shine. A real leader and captain for the 2017 championship team.

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