Reuben Foster clearly understands his role as the next ringleader on defense.
Foster, a rising senior, decided to forgo the 2016 NFL Draft and return to Alabama for a chance to win a second national championship. After suffering injuries in two previous seasons, he emerged as an instinctive force in 2015. Foster chimed in with 73 tackles, eight tackles for loss, a sack, nine pass breakups and three quarterback hurries in 15 games.
He dominated at weakside (“Will”) linebacker in Alabama’s nickel package, but now it is Foster’s turn to call the shots.
Alabama coach Nick Saban referred to offensive tackle Cam Robinson as a “alpha dog” at Monday’s press conference.
He had the same choice of words for Foster, a former five-star prospect from Auburn (Ala.) High School.
Foster’s peers believe that he is ready to step in for the departing Reggie Ragland. Linebacker Ryan Anderson spoke to the press during last week’s session of player interviews.
Anderson, a rising senior, said “when Foster speaks everyone listens.”
“Reuben’s been a leader in his own way since he’s been here,” Anderson said. “He just hasn’t had to do certain stuff. He was more of a behind the scenes, but he’s Reuben. Everyone respects him.”
Foster competed with rising junior linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton for the role at weakside linebacker last season.
Hamilton, a former four-star recruit, said Foster’s leadership continues to improve.
“I remembered telling him in the offseason program when I enrolled early he seemed like the younger guy and know he’s definitely taking that leadership role,” Hamilton said Wednesday.
With Foster leading the charge and having experience around him, the Crimson Tide have an opportunity to be even better on defense in the fall.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
