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Linebacker Dont’a Hightower

Two factors are responsible for the successful career that Dont’a Hightower has with the Alabama Crimson Tide. First is his willingness to cooperate to the fullest with coach Nick Saban and second is his ability to understand game situations and respond quickly to them. He has learned to function as effectively situational defense as he does in 3-4 defense plays

Coach Saban is known for his knack of cooking up diverse game techniques and for assigning his players in unlikely positions depending on what he thinks is appropriate for facing the team’s current opponent. For that reason, the players who succeed under his guidance are those who can adapt and learn new techniques easily. He specializes in training ‘hybrid’ players who can play with equal efficiency in different positions.

This season, Hightower inherits the job of middle linebacker from Rolando McClain. He is the signal-maker and he checks on his teammates. He assumes the stance of quarterback on defense if the team goes into the splitback formation. He becomes defensive end during pass-downs. In nickel defense, he watches out for his running backs, tight end and wide receivers.

Hightower’s speed is definitely an asset for him. His sideline to sideline coverage is superior to that of McClain. His rushing pass speed is awesome and he teams up perfectly with the likes of Chris Jordan or Nicko Johnson, both middle linebackers.

Coach Saban is sure that Hightower will not remain a signal-caller for his entire career but will assume other important positions. The experience will be good for him and for the team.

Quarterback Phillip Elly

Elly is at present no. 15 in the list of nationwide quarterbacks. He has just joined the Alabama Crimson Tide, contrary to the expectations of many fans. Previously he received offers from Wake Forrest, LSU, Ole Miss and Clemson University and everyone was thinking that he would wind up with one of those teams.

The offer of Alabama Crimson Tide was received just recently, later than that from the other teams. The fact that Alabama Crimson Tide currently tops two major polls, the USA Today polls and the ESPN,com polls counted a good deal in Elly’s decision. He wants to join and learn in the best program and “to play for a program like that because they are the champions.”

Elly himself is not without his winning statistics, he scored 19-0 as a starter and figured in two state championships. While in his junior season, he managed 20 touchdowns over a total distance of 1,833 yards.

Although he was trained in the conventional style of offense, as a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, he has watched their players and learned from looking at them their various styles of offensives. Now that he is in the team, it will only take a little practice on his part to participate actively in their games.

Coack Robert Weiner admires Elly’s attitude and the fact that his whole intention in playing football is not just for personal success but also, and perhaps, more importantly, for the satisfaction of becoming a member of a winning team like the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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