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Reggie Ragland says Kevin Steele was ‘the man who believed in me’ while at Alabama

Reggie Ragland celebrates a big play for Alabama in 2015 Sugar Bowl versus Ohio State
Matthew Emmons - USA Today Sports

Some were confused by Nick Saban’s choice of Kevin Steele for Alabama’s defensive coordinator, but a former Crimson Tide linebacker supports the move.

Reggie Ragland, a former Unanimous All-American, played for the Crimson Tide from 2012 to 2015.

RELATED: Alabama fans react to the Crimson Tide hiring Kevin Steele as defensive coordinator

He spent two seasons with Steele, including 2014 having Steele as the linebackers coach. Ragland excelled under Steele, posting 93 tackles (second on the team), 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, a quarterback hurry, a forced fumble, and an interception. He made first-team All-SEC in 2014 and became the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2015. Ragland said Steele was ‘the man who believed in him’ while he was at Alabama. The two-time national champion (2012 and 2015) is all for his former position coach returning to the program. Steele takes over for the departed Pete Golding after he had five years as a coordinator.

Alabama fans are looking forward to seeing what Steele does for the defense in his return.

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

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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