Alabama DC Smart Lives Up to Name

Alabama head coach Nick Saban is generally regarded as the architect of the ferocious defense that has led the Crimson Tide back to the BCS Championship Game. However, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart’s influence on the unit is just as important. The soon-to-be 37 year old Smart is one of the brightest defensive minds in the college ranks, and has the Tide poised to capture their third national title in the last four seasons. The Crimson Tide defense has been a machine since Smart took over DC duties in 2008. Since that season, Alabama has finished in the top five nationally in total defense every year, an incredibly difficult task with the constant turnover the team has faced year after year.

Alabama’s Jones Excels with Smarts, Toughness

Alabama has had numerous players step up and play key roles in the team’s drive back to the BCS, but few have been as crucial to their success this season as center Barrett Jones. The heart and soul of the offensive line, Jones was recently awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is commonly referred to as the “Academic Heisman”. The award is given to a player based on his academic achievements, community service and contributions on the field, which speaks volumes about Jones ability as not only a football player, but as a student and leader as well. He is one of the most decorated student athletes in the history of not only Alabama, but the entire Southeastern Conference. He is the first four-time Academic All-American in the history of Alabama football, has already earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting, and will soon complete his masters in accountancy as well. While he certainly has a long career in the NFL ahead of him, he would be very successful even if he was not one of the best offensive linemen in the country.

His intelligence has also helped him become one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the history of college football. After starting at right guard for two seasons, earning some All-America recognition during that time, Jones moved to the all-important left tackle position for his junior year. He went on to win the Jacobs Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the SEC, and also won the Outland Trophy as the top interior lineman in the country. With the loss of center Williams Vlachos this past season, Jones was asked to move to center in order to make room for ultra-talented Cyrus Kouandjio at left tackle. Jones responded with another All-America season, helping pave the way for the Crimson Tide’s devastating running game. Jones’ value to the team is immense, and one of the biggest reasons why the Crimson Tide will play for their third national title in four years on January 7th.

For more information about the upcoming BCS game, visit us here!