As many expected, ‘Bama inside linebacker Dont’a Hightower is out for the remainder of the season. Hightower suffered ligament damage to his left knee in the first quarter of the Arkansas game. The 'Bama linebacker had surgery on Tuesday, and the operation was deemed "successful" by all accounts. Coach Nick Saban expects Hightower to make a full recovery.
This week in practice Cory Reamer has moved from outside to inside linebacker in an effort to fill the gap left by the unfortunate departure of Hightower. Cory Reamer, Rolando McClain, Courtney Upshaw, and Eryk Anders will most likely characterize the “new look” Crimson Tide unit at the linebacker position.
Speaking of the linebacker arrangement, Jerrell Harris will officially be eligible to play for the Crimson Tide on Oct. 17 when Alabama takes on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Harris has been ineligible due to an investigation to determine whether he acquired illegitimate benefits. Such “rewards” would be in violation with NCAA compliance regulations. Since Harris has not played a single game this season and his announced return will be against South Carolina, this implies his suspension will cover the first six games of the 2009 season. When Harris does return to the field, he will most certainly have a shot to compete for the linebacker position vacated by the injured Dont’a Hightower. Harris will provide additional depth at the position, if nothing else.
For the second time this season (Florida International), Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been named SEC Freshman of the Week for his performance in the Alabama rout of Arkansas. Richardson, who is quickly making a name for himself this season, has been a valuable asset to the Crimson Tide ground attack in 2009.
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