The human missile and former Tide standout is ready for the next level.
After spurning Auburn University on National Signing Day in 2013, Reuben Foster would become the latest game-changing inside linebacker in the history of Alabama football. During the 2016 season, he transitioned from special teams thumper to instinctive signal caller. The 6-foot-1, 236-pounder had a team-high 115 tackles, and turned in 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, eight quarterback hurries and two pass breakups.
Foster anchored a defense that limited opponents to 13 points, 64 rushing yards and 262 total yards a contest, while aiding it to an FBS-leading 54 sacks, 29 turnovers and 11 touchdowns.
His performance guided him to winning multiple awards, including most valuable player of the 2016 Southeastern Conference title game and 2016 Butkus Award—presented to nation’s top linebacker.
He was one of three Alabama players named a unanimous All-American, joining defensive end Jonathan Allen and offensive tackle Cam Robinson. Foster’s four-year career ended with 188 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, six sacks, 11 quarterback hurries and 11 pass breakups. Behind him, the Crimson Tide accounted for 106 sacks in the last two seasons (52 in 2015, 54 in 2016).
Following his medical status, lateral quickness and controlling a defensive front were two questions that a lot of media pundits had for Foster. He relatively healthy all of last season, which allowed him the ability to make/alter calls while delivering crushing hits in run support and pass coverage.
Athletic linebackers are a huge need in the upcoming NFL Draft. Listed below is a chart with the top five landing options for Foster, including the No. 1 team that will select him in the process.
Per CBS’ Draft Tracker, he is the 7th overall prospect and top-ranked inside ‘backer’ prospect.
| NFL Team | Pick in First Round |
| Tennessee Titans | Nos. 5 and 18 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | No. 9 |
| New Orleans Saints | No. 11 |
| Arizona Cardinals | No. 13 |
| Indianapolis Colts | No. 14 |
Final Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals’ defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is looking for more speed and athleticism at the linebacker position. Cincinnati carried one of the NFL’s worst run defenses, surrendering 1,812 total yards (113.3 y/g, 21st). Reuben Foster’s instincts and lateral quickness as a two-year starter helped Alabama limit opposition to 14.1 points, 71 rush yards and 269.2 yards of total offense.
Despite not being a jaw-dropping pass rusher (six career sacks), Foster’s “alpha dog” mentality can put Karlos Dansby, Vontaze Burfict and Vincent Rey in situations to affect the quarterback
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 @Smsmith_TDALMag.
