Alabama Football: What You Need to Know About Crimson Tide's LB C.J. Mosley

C.J. Mosley is a starter in 'Bama's nickel defensive package and a co-starter with Nico Johnson in the 3-4 scheme. While Johnson is the most senior member of the Crimson Tide's linebacking corps, Mosley is in the group only one year behind him.

That means that Mosley also saw the Tide's letdown 2010 season and both the highs and lows of the 2011 season. Mosley will play a valuable role on the team as someone who can speak firsthand about what happens if you stray from Nick Saban's teachings.

Mosley missed only two games in 2011 (Florida and Vanderbilt) due to a dislocated elbow. He played in all 10 of the other games, and started in six. He's been a staple in the nickel package and will be an anchor to the Tide in 2012. He finished the 2011 season with 35 tackles.

Mosley appears on the preseason watch lists for the Lombardi Award, the Butkus Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He was selected to both the coaches' and media's preseason All-SEC teams (first team by the coaches and second team by the media).

Mosley made the Defensive Player of the Week list against Penn State last year, and looks to be even more of a factor week in and week out now that the draftees have exited the Capstone.

As a freshman in 2010, he finished third on the team with 67 tackles and earned playing time in all 13 games. Mosley is entering 2012 as an anchor on the Tide's defense.

Though he may not have a lot of recognition yet, look for him to put some hardware on his mantle in 2012. Mosley will be a fiercely consistent competitor, and he will leave a gaping hole when he leaves the Capstone.