The Few, the Proud, the Alabama Crimson Tide Seniors

Nine. That is all the number of seniors on this year's Crimson Tide team at Alabama.  This was the short class to be sure. The last of the boys who had never beaten Auburn, the last of the boys who endured the darkest days of Crimson Tide history in many a year are entering their final game in Crimson jerseys.

Some of these men were recruited by Franchione, were supposed to play for Price, played for Shula, and now Saban. All have had more position coaches and rode the rough tide up and down until this year's success.

John Parker Wilson symbolizes the troubles the team itself has had. Good but mostly bad times summed up both Wilson and the Tide the years of his stay here. Maybe it's not surprising that both came back to the top together.

"I remember last year's seniors and how they felt leaving without ever beating Auburn.  I remember the frustration of their final year that fell apart." Wilson said.

"I'm glad I can leave with my head high and know that I'm leaving the program better than when I came here, but this senior class built on the triumphs and tragedies on those who came before us.  We could have left here successful without them."

Antoine Caldwell says, "Remembering all the bad times helps you enjoy this year so much more.  Being a senior is special.  You know it's your last chance to make a difference, and we feel we have."

"This group of seniors have gone through the lows and the highs together. We are all as close as brothers. The adversity we fought through together make this a special bunch. There was a lot of focus on us because there were so few seniors." Said Nick Walker. "Just like the team, we showed our best this year."

Rashad Johnson is what every coach dreams of. He was a kid that nobody wanted, walked on at Alabama, became the team captain and the driving force behind a makeshift defense that was one of the best in the nation.

"I've heard people say that I was like the team I joined, unwanted, under-appreciated, and at the bottom." said Johnson. "But coach Saban taught us that with hard work, dedication, belief in one another and the program, that all things are possible.  I leave here knowing that this group of seniors helped this team see that it could happen."

You never get to the end of a road without rolling over the pavement before it.  Every man since that first team 1892 team has been a part of that road. These nine seniors left many a good mile behind them and left a smooth road ahead for the ones behind to follow.

Thank you guys, your years and accomplishments, toil, sweat, leadership, and examples will not be forgotten.