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Alabama football to graduate nine student-athletes this weekend

Cedric Mason - Touchdown Alabama Magazine

Winning championships puts a smile on the face of Nick Saban, but what really does the University of Alabama football head coach a lot of good is seeing his players graduate. Four commencement ceremonies will take place this weekend, including three on Saturday. Nine of the Crimson Tide’s student-athletes from its recent Southeastern Conference championship and College Football Playoff team will be marching at Coleman Coliseum.

Offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman, linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton and defensive back Tony Brown are among the graduates. Bozeman, who will return in the fall to play at center, blocked for 11 100-yard rushing games a season ago. He cleared the way for four 500-plus yard rushers and a 1,000-yard back in Damien Harris – 1,037 yards, two touchdowns. The redshirt senior did not allow a sack in 12 games, helping quarterback Jalen Hurts account for 2,780 passing yards, 954 rushing yards and 36 scores.

Hamilton emerged in 2016 as a productive linebacker.

The Montgomery, Ala., native recorded 64 total tackles – including nine for loss and two sacks. He turned in a pass breakup, a quarterback hurry, a forced fumble and two interceptions. One of Hamilton’s picks came off the arm of Florida Gators’ quarterback Austin Appleby in the SEC title game, prior to Hamilton injuring his knee. He returns to the roster next season, and expects to share in the inside role with Rashaan Evans.

Brown was an impact player down the stretch for the Tide, following his return from a four-game suspension to start the year. He amassed 32 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions, including one against Florida in the SEC championship game. With his return to the secondary, the native Texan intends to build a firm draft stock and assist Alabama to a national championship.

Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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