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

Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Amari Cooper #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Amari Cooper #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Alabama football jersey rankings 6-10

No. 6: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Not only does Ha Ha Clinton-Dix have one of the more interesting names in Alabama history, he had some of the best plays. His ability to play as a single-high safety with the lateral quickness to cover the entire width of the field helped Alabama run some special coverage systems that only work with a player like Ha Ha. This could’ve also been Blake Sims, but I’m sticking with Clinton-Dix, who is now a Chicago Bear alongside Eddie Jackson in the defensive backfield

No. 7: Trevon Diggs

The only other No. 7 of note is Kenny Bell, but Diggs has the ability to be the best corner in this draft class. His transition from receiver to defensive back was the best thing for his career, and he is expected to make the leap and become one of the best corners under Saban’s tenure at Alabama. Of course, he will have to stay healthy.

No. 8: Julio Jones

There were plenty of good players that have worn this number. One of them just got drafted by the Raiders. However, when you see an Alabama fan wearing a jersey with a No. 8 on the front, you assume it says Jones on the back. Julio is the greatest receiver in Alabama history, the best NFL player in Alabama history, and he simply embodies Crimson Tide football. I didn’t have to take long with this decision.

No. 9: Amari Cooper

Amari Cooper had big shoes to fill when he joined the team after Julio went to the draft. His pairing with AJ McCarron helped both of their careers. Cooper seemed to always be open down the field, and AJ simply could not throw the ball too deep for Cooper. They were a prolific tandem in the Alabama passing game for multiple years.

No. 10: AJ McCarron

In terms of college success, no quarterback has done more in Alabama history than AJ McCarron — not even Tua. AJ was a part of three national championship teams, and he started for two of them. If it weren’t for a certain special teams play in the Iron Bowl that shall remain nameless, he would’ve possibly won four national championships in five seasons. He had the stats, the leadership, and the hearts of Alabama fans across the nation.