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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 – SEPTEMBER 6: James Moses #89 of the Oklahoma Sooners is tackled by Derrick Pope #6 and DeMeco Ryans #35 of the Alabama Crimson Tide on September 6, 2003, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Oklahoma defeated Alabama 20-13. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images). /

8

DeMeco Ryans Inside linebacker

Alabama Crimson Tide 2002-2005

Ryans earned the 2005 SEC Defensive Player of the Year after registering 76 tackles and five quarterback sacks. Added to his list of accomplishments were being named First Team All American and the winner of the Lott Trophy. The six-foot-two linebacker is the only Tide player to win the Lott Trophy and shares the award with notables JJ Watt, Manti Teo, Jabrill Peppers and David Pollack.

The Bessemer native improved every year in Tuscaloosa. During his sophomore season, he was a tackling machine with 126.

Ryans left Alabama fifth on the all-time tackles list with 307. He had 37 career starts.

7

Reggie Ragland Inside linebacker

Alabama Crimson Tide 2012-2015

Team captain and leader Reggie Ragland led the Crimson Tide with 97 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and broke up six passes his senior season. He won SEC Defensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous All American. Alabama football had not harbored a unanimous All American linebacker since Cornelius Bennett and Derrick Thomas.

Considered a throwback linebacker, Ragland stood six-foot-two and 247 pounds. Reggie fell in line with versatile linebackers under Saban that could line up and rush the passer or plug the middle.

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