Linebacker Dont’a Hightower

Two factors are responsible for the successful career that Dont’a Hightower has with the Alabama Crimson Tide. First is his willingness to cooperate to the fullest with coach Nick Saban and second is his ability to understand game situations and respond quickly to them. He has learned to function as effectively situational defense as he does in 3-4 defense plays

The coaching style of Saban is somewhat different from standard. He will not hesitate to reshuffle players as the situation demands, deploying some to jobs they may not like if he thinks the game outcome will be better for that. Because of that his players have to be very flexible and cooperative. They should not hesitate to learn new techniques and train for new positions if required to do so.

This season, Hightower inherits the job of middle linebacker from Rolando McClain. He is the signal-maker and he checks on his teammates. He assumes the stance of quarterback on defense if the team goes into the splitback formation. He becomes defensive end during pass-downs. In nickel defense, he watches out for his running backs, tight end and wide receivers.

Hightower’s speed is definitely an asset for him. His sideline to sideline coverage is superior to that of McClain. His rushing pass speed is awesome and he teams up perfectly with the likes of Chris Jordan or Nicko Johnson, both middle linebackers.

Coach Saban knows that Hightower will eventually move on to master other jobs in the game is inevitable. This will be an opportunity for him to grow in his career as well as for the team to benefit from his experience.

Quarterback Phillip Elly

Elly is at present no. 15 in the list of nationwide quarterbacks. He has just joined the Alabama Crimson Tide, contrary to the expectations of many fans. Previously he received offers from Wake Forrest, LSU, Ole Miss and Clemson University and everyone was thinking that he would wind up with one of those teams.

The offer of Alabama Crimson Tide was received just recently, later than that from the other teams. The fact that Alabama Crimson Tide currently tops two major polls, the USA Today polls and the ESPN,com polls counted a good deal in Elly’s decision. He wants to join and learn in the best program and “to play for a program like that because they are the champions.”

Elly boasts of a few winning statistics too. He had his part in two state championships and scored 19-0 as a starter. He ran a total of 1,833 yards in his Junior year and scored 20 touchdowns.

His training has been along the conventional style of offensive play. However, as a fan of the Tide, he has watched many of their games and has acquainted himself with their offensive techniques. He will require just a little more practice to actually perform well with them team on the field.

His attitude is encouraging for coach Robert Weiner. He recognizes in the young man someone intent not on just attaining personal fulfillment and success. He wants to learn from the Alabama Crimson Tide how to maintain a winning game of football.

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Author Bio: Freddie Brister is a retired football coach who writes for SportsFanTreasures.com. Check out his Alabama Crimson Tide Watch or his Colorado State Lamp or his Iowa Watch

Category: Sports
Keywords: Alabama Crimson Tide,Middle Linebacker,Quarterbacks