Alabama Football: Best player to wear each jersey number in Saban era
By Dakota Cox
Alabama football jersey rankings 86-90
No. 86: A’Shawn Robinson
A’Shawn Robinson was a grown man in a grown man’s body. There was nothing about him that said he was a college student. When offensive linemen had to line up against them, I can only imagine the terrors that went through their heads. Even by SEC standards, Robinson was a behemoth. This frame helped him get nine total sacks and 22 tackles for loss in his entire career.
No. 87: Miller Forristall
Miller Forristall showed some flashes as a freshman, but he’s been more of a blocker than a receiver at the tight end position. However, this junior year will be a true test to what kind of player he will be. With Tua at quarterback, there need to be as many skill players around him as possible.
No. 88: O.J. Howard
When O.J. Howard won the offensive MVP of the national title game, he probably had a lot of people asking where he had been the entire season. It was almost as if Alabama kept a secret all season and didn’t let anyone know until the last game of the year. When he returned, the Tide did the same thing again. Howard is probably one of the most underutilized players Alabama has ever had. However, he is still the best tight end we’ve seen. If we had used him like we should’ve in the passing game, his draft stock would’ve been even higher than it was before.
No. 89: LaBryan Ray
Like Forristall, LaBryan Ray will be given his chance to prove himself this year. On the defensive line, you have multiple rushers leaving for the draft. Ray is expected to fill right in for Isaiah Buggs. He’s only played in limited time, but he got 2.5 sacks last year as a reserve. He could potentially explode this year when he starts the entire season.
No. 90: Jarran Reed
Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson on the same defensive line was just unfair. Reed didn’t get the stats. but he was the guy that stuffed the line to keep the running back from finding a crease. He also swallowed double-team blocks so that the edge rushers could break through one blocker. He plays like a grown man, and it’s why the Seahawks are incredibly happy with where they drafted him.