There is a never-ending, ongoing debate throughout the college football community about which program reduces the best players at each position on the football field. These debates can range from active collegiate players, active NFL players and retired players that are out of the game.
ESPN’s David Hale broke down each position and ranked the top ten programs to have produced talent at that individual position.
The Crimson Tide topped two lists, the running back and offensive line positions, but were present on almost every other list.
Hale has high praise for Alabama head coach Nick Saban and what he’s been able to create in the backfield.
“It’s interesting that, about the same time the NFL moved away from an offensive model built around running backs, Nick Saban arrived at Alabama and turned the tailback position into the cornerstone of the Tide’s success,” writes Hale. “Before Saban arrived in 2007, Shaun Alexander had already won an NFL MVP, but that was about the extent of Alabama’s RBU résumé. Now, though? Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, Kenyan Drake and Josh Jacobs are all NFL fixtures, and even Trent Richardson and T.J. Yeldon came with impressive pedigrees. Next up? Najee Harris could be in the Heisman mix for 2020.”
Hale also named Alabama ‘Offensive Line U,’ above other programs such as Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Michigan.
“It’s only fitting that the school that gets the RBU tag also wins OLU, and Alabama’s crew up front certainly earned the moniker. Eight Alabama linemen have been selected within the first 50 picks of the draft, and seven earned All-America honors during the past decade, while Chris Samuels, Evan Mathis and Ryan Kelly have all become Pro Bowlers during the Position U era. Current tackle Alex Leatherwood looks like a lock to be the next high draft choice coming off Alabama’s offensive line in 2021.”
While Alabama only led two positional groups, they were mentioned in various others.
The Crimson Tide ranked No. 2 for linebackers, No. 2 for defensive line and No. 8 for wide receivers.
