25 (Rolando McClain) Days from Kickoff

And we are 25...25 days away from the kickoff of college football. And today we salute the latest in the long line of Alabama greats at the linebacker position. When Rolando showed up on campus, I had a problem with his tackling form. He used his arms more than he did his body to bring a defender down. But what won me over was his effort in the 2007 loss to Auburn (our LAST loss to Auburn by the way). The game was virtually over. At least from watching the effort of some of the seniors you would think that the game was over. But McClain played his heart out...as if the game really meant something to him. I knew then that this passion (as you'll see at the 2:39 mark of the 2nd video below) coupled with his rare combination of size, speed, agility, strength, and just flat out high football IQ would make him one of the best to ever wear Crimson. Here's Ro in all his splendor




BONUS CLIP