C.J. Mosley Injury: Will He Be Ready to Go Next Season for Bama's Title Defense?

Alabama won their ninth national championship and second under head coach Nick Saban, as he won his third overall. But the dominating victory over the LSU Tigers didn't come without a price as two key players left the game with injuries. 

The first was senior wide receiver Marquis Maze as he returned a punt deep into LSU territory, but came up limping at the end of the play. He was the Crimson Tide's leading receiver as he finished the year with 56 receptions for 627 yards and a touchdown. 

He was also a big contributor on special teams. It's great that the injury didn't cost Alabama the game, but a shame that his career in a Alabama uniform had to end with him watching on the sidelines. 

The more serious injury and one that could affect Alabama next year, is the injury to sophomore linebacker C.J. Mosley.

It came off an interception that was horribly thrown by LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson. Mosley was in the process of trying to return it, and when he was tackled his leg bent backwards. Very gruesome injury and didn't look good at all. He left the field on a golf cart as he waved to the crowd.

The seriousness of the injury isn't yet revealed, but I doubt he'll be ready for the start of the season if major surgery is required on that leg.

Linebacker is going to be a thin position for the Crimson Tide, considering a few will be heading to the NFL this year. Mosley was going to be a big part of that linebacker corps to help fill in some of the holes. If he's not able to go next season, Alabama will have big problems.

A linebacker that has little experience will then have to take over and with how complex Nick Saban's defense is, it will really take time for the young guys to adjust. This injury could seriously affect this defense next year, if the leg is as bad as it looked.

Mosley finished his sophomore year with 35 tackles, two sacks and one interception.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]