Alabama's Linebackers Are the Key to Success in 2009

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

With the departure of senior Prince Hall, the door opened for some of the younger players to make their move. Hall was constantly in Saban's doghouse and transferred to Central Washington back in May. Hall was never reinstated to the team after his last suspension. 

Players like Eryk Anders, Brandon Fanny, Charlie Higginbotham, Chavis Williams, and Chris Jordan will all be vying for playing time and will be called on as the season progresses.

Any of these players is ready to step in and play if needed. A good example would be when Anders and Fanney were sent in as a pass rusher in third and long situations last year.

Nick Saban likes to put as many great athletes on the field as possible, and with this much talent, he will be hard-pressed to keep any of these talented players on the sidelines for very long.

With speed, size, and talent, this group can match up with the very best. With Reamer being the only senior, the future for Alabama's defense looks solid down the road.

Look for Alabama's linebackers to be the lead story whenever Alabama's defense is discussed in the media, and also for Alabama's defense to lead the way.

Saban loves his players to be big, fast, and strong, and that is even truer when it comes to his linebackers. Alabama has always been known for great defense, and that tradition continues under Nick Saban.

With the arrival in the fall of Nico Johnson and Tana Patrick from Saban's 2009 recruiting class, the depth continues to build—as does the anticipation for Alabama's future. 

Linebackers from Alabama's past, like Leroy Jordan, Cornelius Bennett, and Derrick Thomas, all played major parts in many of the Crimson Tide's championships throughout the years.

That tradition continues, and Alabama's linebackers will play a major role in Alabama's championships in the future.

Personally, I cannot remember when Alabama has had so many young, talented players at the linebacker position in Tuscaloosa at one time, and that goes back for quite a while.

Keep your eye on Alabama's linebackers on opening day in Atlanta, Ga. when Alabama plays Virginia Tech on Sept. 5, because that is where Alabama's success will be determined. 

Alabama's success in 2009 will depend on its talented defense until the Tide's offense can get untracked. That defense will depend on its talented linebackers if they are to return the the SEC Championship game in Atlanta next December.

The talent to return to Atlanta is there, the question is do they have the will.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?