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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 – NOVEMBER 09: C.J. Mosley #32 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after tackling Terrence Magee #14 of the LSU Tigers during the first half of the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 9, 2013, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

4

Keith McCants Outside Linebacker

Alabama Crimson Tide 1987-1989

The CBS National Defensive Player of the Year in 1989, Keith McCants was an absolute brute for the Crimson Tide.  The Mobile, Alabama native led Alabama with 119 tackles and four sacks. Unfortunately, he was the runner-up to Michigan State linebacker Percy Snow for the Butkus Award.  Against Auburn, McCants played liked the Tasmanian devil all over the field, racking up 18 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble.  His play against the Tigers led Alabama to its first SEC title since 1981. Keith amassed 35 tackles in two seasons playing against the Tide’s hated rival.

In 1988, playing alongside Tide great Derrick Thomas, the sophomore finished second on the team in tackles with 78. In the 1988 Sun Bowl against Army, the surly linebacker finished with a game-high 13 tackles.

A superior talent, McCants decided to leave for the NFL after his junior season.

3

C.J. Mosley Inside and Linebacker

Alabama Crimson Tide 2010-2013

The 2013 Butkus Award winner, C.J. Mosley was undoubtedly the nation’s top linebacker. He would remain on the field for all three downs. C.J. could make plays sideline to sideline. Mosley was Alabama’s most complete linebacker in the Saban era. C.J. played in all 13 games as a true freshman. Mosley finished the season with 67 tackles and two interceptions returned for touchdowns with an astonishing ten passes deflections.

Suffered an elbow injury in 2011 causing him to miss two games. He mostly played in passing situations replacing Nico Johnson for his pass coverage ability.

The centerpiece of the 2012 defense, he led the team with 107 tackles. Add in four sacks and two interceptions, one which he returned for a touchdown.

In 2013, he led the team in tackles again with 106 tackles leading to his coveted award. Mosley also was named co-SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

C.J. left Tuscaloosa as a two-time consensus All American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, two-time first-team All-SEC and the Butkus. Let’s not forget that he also departed with two national championships.

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