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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(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Alabama football jersey rankings 16-20

No. 16: Richard Mullaney

Richard Mullaney was a transfer from Oregon State. In his sole season with the Tide, he was a threat in the slot. His nickname was “Slottie Pippen.” He didn’t make it in the NFL with his first attempt, but after success in the AAF with the Arizona Hotshots, he hopes to make it back onto a permanent NFL roster.

No. 17: Kenyan Drake

Kenyan Drake was never a starting running back, but he was a skilled changeup. After Derrick Henry powered through offensive lines for a while, Drake came in to make things happen in the passing game and on the boundaries. Of course, he will always be known for his stellar touchdown on a kickoff in the National Championship. His injuries in college kept him from getting the same statistics as running backs before him, but his tandem with Henry was lethal.

No. 18: Cooper Bateman

If you want to be the best to ever wear your jersey number at Alabama, choose this number. Cooper Bateman’s most memorable moment in Alabama history was when he started against Ole Miss and had one of the worst games a quarterback could have. By the time Coker came in to replace him, too much damage had been done. If Slade Bolden catches a single touchdown as an Alabama player, he will immediately take this spot.

No. 19: Reggie Ragland

Reggie Ragland was a very strong inside linebacker for the Tide. No. 19 isn’t a popular number with football players, but Ragland wore it well. He was mostly a run-stuffer with tackles for loss. His coverage skills weren’t fantastic, but he was able to help the Tide win a ring in his senior season. In that final year, he was an SEC Defensive Player of The Year.

No. 20: Shaun Dion Hamilton

Shaun Dion Hamilton was an oversized linebacker. His injuries hurt his draft stock. However, he played well when he got on the field. His skills were visible, it was just hard to get him in a position where he could play. He is now a rotational linebacker with Washington in the NFL, the Crimson Tide of professional football.