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Top 10 Greatest Alabama Football Players Of All Time
In this ranking, we will analyze the top 10 greatest players in Alabama football history. We will look at career statistics, legacy, and impact during their time with the Crimson Tide.
No. 10: Ozzie Newsome, WR/TE
Ozzie Newsome primarily played wide receiver at Alabama before developing into a tight end at the NFL level. During his four-year career with the Crimson Tide, Newsome caught 102 receptions with 16 total scores. During his senior season, Newsome was a consensus All-American, leading the SEC in receiving yards (804). He also led the SEC in receiving scores during his sophomore campaign.
No. 9: John Hannah, OG
John Hannah stands alone as the best offensive lineman in school history. Hannah was an All-American in 1971 and was a unanimous All-American during the 1972 campaign. He also won the Jacobs Award (Best SEC blocker) and was eventually drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
No. 8: Amari Cooper, WR
Amari Cooper totaled just over 1,700 yards during his first two seasons before enjoying an incredible junior season. In his freshman season, Cooper won a National Championship and caught 11 scores. However, Cooper led the SEC during his third season with 1,727 receiving yards and 16 receiving scores. He also brought in 124 passes and averaged 123.4 yards per game. All of these marks were single-season school records at the time.
No. 7: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB
Minkah Fitzpatrick was a two-time National Champion during his time with Alabama. During his three-year tenure, Fitzpatrick was a two-time consensus All-American. During his final season, Fitzpatrick won the Bednarik Award. In addition, the defensive pack led the SEC with six interceptions during his second season. He was drafted 11th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2018 NFL Draft.
No. 6: Derrick Henry, RB
After having a modest output during his first two seasons, Derrick Henry enjoyed one of the best single seasons in Alabama school history. During his final campaign, Henry ran for 2,219 yards and punched in 28 scores, both of which led the SEC. During this season, Henry also led the SEC in rushing attempts (395). During his collegiate career, he averaged an impressive 6.0 yards per carry.
No. 5: Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Tua Tagovailoa led the Crimson Tide to a National Championship as a freshman. During his sophomore season, Tagovailoa led the SEC with a stellar 69.0 percent completion rate, 3,966 passing yards, and 43 passing scores. Then, in his final campaign, Tagovailoa posted a career-best 206.9 passer rating. During his career, Tagovailoa sits with an FBS record in passer rating (199.4).
No. 4: Mark Ingram RB
Mark Ingram led the Alabama backfield during each of his three seasons. As a freshman, Ingram ran for 728 yards and tallied 12 rushing scores. However, as a sophomore, Ingram won the Heisman Trophy as he ran for 1,658 yards and 17 scores. During this campaign, he led the SEC with 20 TDs from scrimmage. He finished his three-year career with 42 rushing scores.
No. 3: Najee Harris, RB
Najee Harris was the definition of consistency during his Alabama career. He won two National Championships and tallied at least 115 attempts in three seasons and over 200 in two. During his final two seasons, Harris ran for 1,244 and 1,466 respectively. His total during his final season led the SEC. In addition, during these two campaigns, he led the SEC in scrimmage touchdowns.
No. 2: Derrick Thomas, LB
Derrick Thomas stands alone on Alabama’s defensive leaderboards. Thomas has more than double the sacks than any other defensive player. Thomas also has the most sacks in a single season (twice) in school history. He also won the Butkus Award during the 1988 season and was a consensus All-American. He was then drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
No. 1: DeVonta Smith, WR
DeVonta Smith enjoyed the single-best campaign in Alabama history. During his final season, Smith caught 117 passes and tallied 1,856 yards with 23 scores, which all stand as school records. In this campaign (2020), Smith captured the Heisman Trophy and was the SEC Player of the Year. Smith was also a two-time National Champion.
