2010 Replacements for Alabama's Departing Football Players, Ch. 5

Cory Reamer wasn't supposed to be a star linebacker. He was a solid special teams guy until Alabama had some injuries that forced him into the lineup. Once there, he took full advantage of the opportunity and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. He was clearly Mr. Opportunity.

He is being replaced by Mr. Talent.

Jerrell Harris was born to play linebacker. His 6-3 and 217 pound frame doesn't do him justice. He's fast and hits like a 350 pounder. He is a definite improvement over Reamer and with a lot of playing time already under his belt, he's ready to provide some memorable moments.

Harris comes out of Gadsden City High School and was one of the top linebackers in the nation when he committed. Now is the time to see if all that hoopla was justified.

He will be manning the linebacker Saban likes to call the Sam Linebacker.

While Reamer was a bit bigger, at 6-4 and 235 pounds, Harris delivers a bigger bang on impact. What made Reamer so valuable was his uncanny knack of always being in the right place with the right plan. Mr. Opportunity could spot a loose ball and just rip it out of the arms of a running back and did just that.

Reamer's work ethic and heady play and total enthusiasm made him so valuable, you just couldn't take him out of the lineup.

If Harris can use his head like Reamer did to make plays to go along with his great athletic abilities, then he will write his own history at this position.

As written in previous articles, it's almost insane just how much talent Alabama has at the linebacker spot and you can tell that it's something Nick Saban is going to make sure he keeps stocked.

Red shirt freshman Jonathan Atchinson may be the backup at this slot, although nothing is set in stone as you can tell by Saban's ire being raised every time the words "depth chart" comes up.

But at 6'2" and 235 pounds fans will get a first look at him in action and wonder where he's been hiding.

Another backup for this position will more than likely be senior Chavis Williams, at 6'4" and 223 pounds he makes a comfortable backup.

This is just one more reason not to moan the loss of a starter, but rejoice for the replacement.