McClain could make Tide forget LB issues

By Robert Rousseau  |   Tuesday, July 29, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

Alabama Crimson Tide
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Last season as a freshman linebacker, Roland McClain started nine games for the Alabama Crimson Tide, totaling 75 total tackles (fourth on the team), five tackles for a loss and two interceptions.

As a result of his terrific numbers, McClain -- a 6-foot-4, 254-pounder -- was named to the SEC's All-Freshman team.

Now, with all of the injuries and suspensions, among other issues, that have hit the Tide’s linebacking corps, McClain is the unit's lone star. And he may just be enough to hold the group together by himself.

McClain, who uses his 4.6 speed to its fullest, is a hard hitter whose ferocity should only increase as he becomes more experienced. What’s more, you could see the improvements he made during the 2007 season; in fact, his 15-tackle against Auburn was a sign that he's capable of coming up big when it matters. McClain consistently played his best against top-level opposition, accruing a combined 35 tackles against Arkansas, Georgia, Florida State and LSU.

Pretty good for a freshman, eh?

Right now McClain is considered a second-team preseason All-SEC linebacker, but don’t be surprised if he makes the first team by the end of the season. It also wouldn’t be surprising if Alabama’s linebacking corps fares better than many think it will.

And if that’s the case, it surely will have had a lot to do with McClain.
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About Robert Rousseau

Robert Rousseau is a sports writer that has been published in a variety of print and online venues. He’s been writing for RealFootball365.com for almost three years now. When Rousseau isn’t writing about college football he tends to be penning mixed martial arts pieces for MMAFighting.com or...
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