Alabama Football: Best player to wear each jersey number in Saban era

Alabama football jersey rankings 1-5

No. 1: Robert Foster

Robert Foster was a key wide receiver for many years. He was never the star due to Calvin Ridley’s emergence, but he still contributed as a second or third option. Part of what held him back was having Jalen Hurts throw mostly to Ridley in Foster’s senior year and not go through a progression. Lack of college production made Foster go undrafted, but he is now a quality prospect at receiver in the Buffalo Bills organization, turning many heads as a rookie.

No. 2: Derrick Henry

I could’ve put Jalen Hurts here and Derrick Henry at 27, but there’s no debate. The best No. 2 in all of Alabama history is Derrick Henry. He was an absolute workhorse in his Heisman season, destroying records in both Alabama and the SEC. It only took one season as the key starter for Henry to become a Tide legend. One of only two Heisman winners in Alabama history, there is simply no other option.

No. 3: Trent Richardson

Although Trent Richardson is known for failing in the NFL, you can’t deny what he did in college. Following in Mark Ingram’s footprints is a very hard thing to do, and Richardson did just that. His running style was very different compared to Ingram’s but he was still a record-breaker. His final season saw him score 24 total touchdowns. There was a reason he was drafted highly, and it was because of what he did at Alabama. His professional reputation might be hurt, but his short-lived status as the best running back in AAF history might help him ride off into the sunset with more grace.

No. 4: Mark Barron

This is probably the hardest debate on the list. I gave it to Mark Barron mostly due to his role in starting the Alabama dynasty. He was there for the early years, and that helped cement his legacy.  Although he has transitioned to a pass rusher in the NFL, Barron was a great defensive back that could disrupt passes and also tackle hard in college. Eddie Jackson is another strong candidate for this role, and Jerry Jeudy could easily take this spot from both of them by the time he declares for the NFL Draft.

No. 5: Cyrus Jones

Cyrus Jones was a bit undersized, but he was a special talent when he made the transition from receiver to defensive back. He was scrappy, he broke up passes, and he made big plays whenever he got the ball in his hands. His agility made him fun to watch in punt returns. Some of his punt returns saw him go untouched into the end zone. He just looked like a video game on special teams.