Alabama's Human Highlight: Rolando McClain In The Spotlight

Middle linebacker Rolando McClain is the heart and soul of the Alabama defense. Now playing in his third season at the Capstone, No. 25 has morphed into one of the most dominant defensive players in college football.

As a two sport athlete at Decatur High School, McClain was a starter on the gridiron as well as the hardwood. During his senior year, at 6'4" and 240 lb, McClain recorded 106 tackles (13 TFL), earned all-state honors as a middle linebacker and tight end.

In the weight room, the senior high school-er recorded an impressive bench press maximum of 310 lb, 540 lb squat, a vertical leap of 32 inches and clocked in the 40 yd dash at 4.64 seconds.

Even more impressive, as a four star national recruit, he held a 3.1 GPA.

Rivals.com positioned the senior as the number three linebacker recruit behind Chris Gallipo (USC) and Chris Donald (UT). Look them up. Rolando has exceeded expectations.

Scouting report delivered by J.C. Schurburtt was on the money:

"Instincts set him apart and give him the chance to be special. He plays well in space. Reacts well. Has good change of direction ability and closing speed." 

"He also is a very good tackler. Athletic ability and instincts on defense give him plenty of upside. Is at his fastest coming off the edge, so a move to defensive end in college wouldn't be out of the question given his size. But he has plenty of natural ability at linebacker, too."

As an early commit, McClain never wavered on his intent to the attend the Capstone despite the firing of head coach Mike Shula.

At the Offense-Defense All-American Game, McClain was quoted as saying to reporters regarding his commitment, "Well, you see it on the hat, I have an Alabama dog tag on, and I have an Alabama undershirt on too," he said. "I have a lot of shirts, and I am really committed. Alabama is going to get an All-SEC, All-American linebacker for the next four years. I am going to come in strong ready to play for Alabama."

Year One

By the start of his freshman season, McClain quickly rose to the top of the linebacking corp as new head coach Nick Saban's defensive signal caller. Off the field, Rolando is quiet and shy, but on the field he is vocal, in command and he leads by example.

As a freshman, he started in the first five games (eight starts on the year) and played in all thirteen contests of his freshman year. He recorded 75 tackles (5 TFL), three QB hurries, two interceptions and four pass breakups.

For his efforts he was named First Team Freshman All-SEC by league coaches. His best game as a freshman came against in-state rival Auburn. McClain recorded a team high and career high 15 tackles and returned an interception 23 yard inside the Auburn 20 yd line.

During the PetroSun Independence Bowl, his thumb was broken on a interception return of 17 yards, setting up a late first half field goal by the Crimson Tide. He returned in the second half to play the rest of the game with his hand casted, helping the Tide hold onto a narrow victory over the Colorado Buffaloes, 30-24.

Year Two

His sophomore season established him as a one of the best middle linebackers in the country. He finished the season with 95 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and one interception. Three sacks and two fumble recoveries were added to his on the field accomplishments, doing all of this as other teams maniacally schemed to diminish his effect on the game.

In 2008, Rolando McClain's name appeared as a finalist on the Butkus Award list, The Lombardi Award List, Third team AP All-American, and First Team All-SEC by the Associated Press, The Sporting News and SEC coaches.

McClain led an Alabama defense that held opposing teams to under 100 yards in 11 of 14 games (60 yd or less in eight games) and maintained the effort against Florida in the SEC championship contest. McClain had a game high nine tackles (seven solo) while doing his part to help the Tide hold the eventual National Champions to 100 yards below their season average.

Year Three

The 2009 season is shaping into a gem for the two-year letterman. In the first six games of the season, McClain has recorded 42 tackles, 27 unassisted, 4.5 TFL and one interception. He is the team leader in nearly every defensive category.

After the Ole Miss game, the Rebels coach Houston Nutt said about the third year middle linebacker, "Rolando McClain: 6-foot-4-and-a-quarter, 260 pounds," Nutt said.

"And as fast as he wants to be. He gets to the ball carrier and he arrives in a bad mood every time I see him....You feel like he's the heartbeat of their team. Brings a lot of energy. But you don't see anybody blocking him. He stays unblocked, refuses to get blocked and he goes and makes the play."

McClain says about himself, "I expect myself to make plays. Sometimes I don't see how I made some plays, how I got off this block. I've just got to give all the credit to Coach Saban. He's made me what I am. He's pushed me to be a better player."

His career at the Capstone has been exceptional as an athlete and student. He is once again listed on the watch list for the Butkus and Lombardi Awards and candidate for first Team All-American honors.

If this young man remains healthy and continues to pile on the defensive statistics and demonstrate the intangibles on the field, expect to see him finish this season with high honors and matriculate to the NFL in the first round.

Enjoy him while you can Bama fans.

He is one of many who have followed in the tradition of outstanding linebackers passing through the hallowed grounds of Alabama football on their way to NFL greatness.

He is one of the few who will eventually be placed into the Alabama Football Hall of Fame. He has the athleticism, skills and talent, the intangibles that can't be taught and the intelligence that is a gift from God making him a rare and exceptional player.