In the waning moments of Alabama's 38-0 romp of Michigan State in the College Football Playoff Semifinal, cameras zoomed in on a rather large man on the Crimson Tide's sideline. Seconds felt like minutes as colossal defensive tackle Jarran Reed strutted through his teammates, raising his python-sized arms to encourage a raucous Bama crowd for more.
With every step, Reed's smile grew and guys around him drew closer. There was an aura about Reed, who moments earlier was harassing the Spartans with his punishing, yet agile moves in the trenches. Reed has not only been a driving force on Alabama's terrifyingly good defense, he's been an emotional leader for an entire team on the brink of yet another national title.