The graduation/early-entry double whammy hasn’t been kind to Alabama’s offense, but the Tide’s defense should be all kinds of salty in 2015.
The school announced Thursday that linebacker Reggie Ragland and defensive lineman Jarran Reed will return to school in 2015.
I’ve thought a lot about this decision and talked to my family, Coach Saban, and everyone close to me,” Ragland said in a statement. “I’m going to return to the University of Alabama for my senior season. One of the big factors for me and my family is earning my degree and I’m on track to graduate. You only form a brotherhood like this once and I look forward to spending another season here with my teammates. Roll Tide.”
A junior, Ragland ranked second on the club with 95 stops, 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and three fumble recoveries. His Twitter account actually beat his canned quote to the punch.I’ve decided to come back for my senior season! Roll Tide!!!
— ReggieRagland(bama) (@reggieragland) January 15, 2015
Reed transferred in from East Mississippi Community College and led the defensive line with 55 tackles. He also posted 6.5 TFL and a sack.
“After sitting down with my family, Coach Saban and Coach (Bo) Davis, I have decided to return to Alabama for my senior year,” Reed said. “I am on track to finish my degree and that is very important to me. The chance to play in the NFL is still my dream, but I am excited about another year at Alabama with my teammates. I learned a lot being here last year, and I’m confident another year will only improve my chances to succeed in the future.”
Alabama lost quarterback Blake Sims to graduation and wide receiver Amari Cooper, running back T.J. Yeldon as well as safety Landon Collins to early declarations for May’s NFL Draft.
With Ragland and Reed in the fold, perhaps Alabama will return to beating foes 21-7 instead of 45-28. Oh, Lane Kiffin is coming back also, you say? Yeah, go ahead and scratch all that.