Alabama legendary LB returned to assist Crimson Tide in spring practice

Jason Getz - USA Today Sports

Could this year’s Alabama football team be the return of the program to the top of the college football landscape?

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The legends are returning to Tuscaloosa (Ala.) in a major way to assist Kalen DeBoer.

DeMeco Ryans, a former All-American linebacker, returned to the University of Alabama in spring practice as the keynote speaker for DeBoer’s coaching clinic. He is the head coach of the Houston Texans, yet Ryans was one of the most dominant forces on defense in his collegiate playing days. The Crimson Tide saw another impactful leader return home toward the end of spring ball, and this one was arguably the most feared linebacker of the Nick Saban era.

Reuben Foster was back in Alabama’s locker room, imparting his knowledge to the inside linebacker room.

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The heat-seeking missile from Roanoke (Ala.) is a fan favorite for his punishing hits, undeniable passion, and leaving it all on the field. Foster came to the Tide as a five-star prospect from Auburn (Ala.) High School in the 2023 recruiting class.

He had to wait his time to become a legend, nevertheless, he seized his moment.

Reuben Foster seized his moment at Alabama in 2015

Foster started at weakside “Will” linebacker in 2015, opposite Reggie Ragland. He recorded 73 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and nine pass breakups, aiding Alabama to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a College Football Playoff National Championship. Foster captained one of the most dominant and entertaining defenses in Tide history in 2016.

He led the team with 115 total tackles, while having 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two pass breakups.

Foster guided the unit to a second consecutive SEC Championship and advanced it to the CFP National Championship Game.

He earned Unanimous first-team All-American honors, first-team All-SEC honors, and the Butkus Award in 2016.

The former first-round pick had a short NFL career, but he’s beloved for what he did in crimson and white. Luke Metz, a second-year linebacker, shared photos on Instagram of Foster spending time with this year’s inside linebackers in spring practice.

Hopefully, the players took something from one of the best to ever play.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.