Alabama football’s six national championships under Nick Saban point to several positions achieving success on the field.
On defense, the inside linebacker role is critical to holding the trophy at the end.
The middle “Mike” linebacker is the quarterback of the defense, and his partner creates jaw-dropping plays. Coach Saban’s defenses have been at their best when both linebacker positions are elite. Rolando McClain and Dont’a Hightower/Cory Reamer introduced this style to Crimson Tide fans in 2009. They rendered opposing offenses to 11.7 points per game, earning Saban his first undefeated national title season in Tuscaloosa.
Hightower and Nico Johnson continued the success in 2011.