It takes a lot to unseat former Alabama-great Wayne Davis. Davis, recruited by Bryant but playing under Ray Perkins, set the standard for wrapping up and putting guys on the turf. When his career ended in 1985, he had set the Alabama mark for tackles (327) and tackles in one game (24.) The equally legendary Woodrow Lowe held and still holds the record for tackles in a season (134.)
Still, All-American DeMeco Ryans spent four years trying to knock those men out of the memory of long-time Tide fans. One of the smartest, most instinctual middle linebackers to ever suit up for the Tide, he was especially hell on opposing running games.