Alabama Football: Best player to wear each jersey number in Saban era
By Dakota Cox
Alabama football jersey rankings 21-25
No. 21: Dre Kirkpatrick
Dre Kirkpatrick was a stellar defensive back for Alabama. His stats don’t show it, but that’s because he mostly locked down his receiver in coverage. When he did make the tackle, he rang some bells. His skills proved that he was worth a first-round pick in the draft.
No. 22: Mark Ingram
Another easy decision, Mark Ingram has to be the choice. He had the skill on the field. he had the swagger off the field. His hardware sits in Mal More Athletic Facility, and he was a part of the first team to win a title with Saban. There are some good players, but no one comes close to replicating what Ingram did for Alabama football.
No. 23: Jabriel Washington
No. 23 is more of a basketball number, anyway. Not many people wear it, and practically no stars do. However, Jabriel Washington was a rotational defensive back for Alabama. He only has 26 total tackles in his career with the Crimson Tide, but he also got two interceptions as a junior. He wasn’t perfect, but he’s the best option for this number. It will take a true star to wear No. 23 before it becomes popular in college football.
No. 24: Terrell Lewis
Another basketball number, 24 isn’t worn by many. If anything, it’s worn by defensive backs. However, Terrell Lewis has chosen this number with pride. He has been injured a lot with Alabama, but many believe that Lewis can be one of the best outside linebackers Alabama’s had when he’s healthy. Health will be the major question. There’s no reason to believe he can’t be healthy this year, but Lewis will have to prove that his single injury was not a fluke.
No. 25: Rolando McClain
Rolando McClain was one of the best linebackers in Alabama history. He attacked the quarterback, stuffed the run, and made some nice plays in coverage. If it weren’t for the off-the-field issues that kept him from succeeding in the NFL, he would’ve been seen as one of the better prospects to come from Alabama. Despite the lack of transition of college talent to pro, he is still an amazing player from the early days of the Saban Dynasty.