13) Wallace Gilberry
I miss Wallace Gilberry not only because he was a pretty decent DE, but he was one of the few players on the '07 team that weren't cancers to the team. I just wish that he could have beaten Auburn at least once and had a better senior year than an Independence bowl trophy.
12) Tyrone Prothro
I really wish that Prothro hadn't suffered that horrific career-ending injury against Florida in '05. I remember that play as if it was yesterday and having to try not to projectile vomit onto the television. The guy had the greatest catch in football history against Southern Miss and it will never be matched. Even Auburn fans have to agree.
11) Bobby Greenwood
This guy was fun to watch, especially in 2008 when Alabama returned to national power.
10) Jamie Christensen
This guy won us several games in '05 and kept us undefeated for most of the season. He won us the Ole Miss game, Tennessee game, the Cotton Bowl vs Texas Tech.
9) Baron Huber
Probably the most forgotten player from 07' to '09 on the Alabama roster, this guy made my Top Ten not because of his TD's, blocks, etc, but his leadership. I remember a story I was told about Baron Huber and former receiver D.J. Hall. Those of you who don't remember, Hall was one of many cancers on that team. Baron Huber threatened to kick his ass in front 92,000 fans if he didn't correct his selfish attitude. The guy had some great blocks too.
8) Glen Coffee
I miss Glen Coffee because he was the front runner (literally) of the Alabama success in 2008. The guy had great attitude, great feet, and great power. I will never forget as long as I live the games he had against Arkansas, LSU, and Auburn that year. Especially Auburn. "The Beatdown in T-Town" was probably the most fun I've had watching a college football game. He also started a trend of great RBs at 'Bama since his back-up, Mark Ingram, would eventually become Alabama's first Heisman Trophy Winner.
7) DeMeco Ryans
Former Alabama LB and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year DeMeco Ryans was another favorite of mine from the '05 team. I can still remember the hit he laid on Florida QB Chris Leak (pictured above). He lead the defense along with other solid LBs like Freddie Roach, Juwan Simpson, Mark Anderson, etc.
6) Mike Johnson
Mike Johnson was the most experience Offensive Lineman for the '09 National Championship team. He was a great run blocker and had a great attitude and always did what was best for the team. That year against Kentucky he opened several holes on Mark Ingram's TD runs.
5) Julio Jones
Our first 1000+ yds receiver in a while. Solid receiver. Made some amazing catches. Dropped some ridiculous easy ones. I won't forget the game he had against Tennessee in '10 when he had over 200 yards receiving. He also was vital for our Iron Bowl victory over Auburn in '09 on the last drive.
4) Javier Arenas
Honestly, I am at a loss for words for Javier. Great returner. Great DB. Great competitor. And great leader.
3) Mark Ingram
Who can forget our great university's first Heisman Trophy winner. Ingram was a great power runner and could make any defender miss. Out of the 1500+ yards he earned during his sophmore year, over a thousand were yards after contact.
2) Rolando McClain
Lead our defense for three straight years as a starter. Probably one of the greatest linebackers not only in Alabama football history, but college football history as well.
1) Greg McElroy
I'm going to miss Greg McElroy most of all because he always did everything in his power to help the team win, which involved him not trying to pull anything out of his ass when he was in trouble. I will never forget the scamper he made in the '09 SEC Championship game when we desperately needed a first down to keep the momentum in our favor. He managed the game and made plays when he needed to.
