Linebacker Dont’a Hightower
Part of his great success with the Alabama Crimson Tide is linebacker Hightower’s extreme adaptability and his knack for grasping situations quickly. During his stint under Coach Nick Saban, Hightower has learned to be versatile in his play. He is accustomed to play the many defense tactics of his coach, ranging to basic 3-4 defense to situational routines.
Coach Saban is known for his knack of cooking up diverse game techniques and for assigning his players in unlikely positions depending on what he thinks is appropriate for facing the team’s current opponent. For that reason, the players who succeed under his guidance are those who can adapt and learn new techniques easily. He specializes in training ‘hybrid’ players who can play with equal efficiency in different positions.
Rolando McClain’s position of middle linebacker is now taken over by Hightower. He directs the play, makes the signals and checks the status of his team mates. When the team falls into the splitback formation, he takes on the position of quarterback on defense. In passes down the field his role is that of defensive end. Hightower keeps an eye on the running backs, the wide receivers and the tight end when the team is in nickel formation.
On advantage that Hightower is his rushing speed. In covering from sideline to sideline he is even better than McClain. He speed in rushing a pass is amazing. For this reason, he makes a perfect team with a middle linebacker such as Chris Jordan or Nicko Johnson.
Coach Saban is confident that Hightower will eventually migrate from being a signal-caller and assume other roles that will be beneficial for him and for the team.
Quarterback Phillip Elly
Elly is at present no. 15 in the list of nationwide quarterbacks. He has just joined the Alabama Crimson Tide, contrary to the expectations of many fans. Previously he received offers from Wake Forrest, LSU, Ole Miss and Clemson University and everyone was thinking that he would wind up with one of those teams.
The offer of Alabama Crimson Tide was received just recently, later than that from the other teams. The fact that Alabama Crimson Tide currently tops two major polls, the USA Today polls and the ESPN,com polls counted a good deal in Elly’s decision. He wants to join and learn in the best program and “to play for a program like that because they are the champions.”
Elly himself is not without his winning statistics, he scored 19-0 as a starter and figured in two state championships. While in his junior season, he managed 20 touchdowns over a total distance of 1,833 yards.
Although honed in the traditional style of offense, he has been watching Alabama players closely as much because he admires them as to learn their offense techniques and it will not be too much trouble for him to adapt their spread style of offense not that he is actually in the team.
Coach Robert Weiner is pleased with Elly’s attitude. He sees the young athlete as a person who is not just intent at creating a successful career for himself. He is someone who is intent on learning from the best football program and sharing in its success.
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