Yep, another Alabama player in our countdown. It's safe to say the Crimson Tide have some serious talent ... again:
No. 5: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
2010 numbers: Hightower started all 13 games, the first three at middle linebacker and the last 10 at weak side linebacker. He finished second on the team with 69 total tackles, including 3.5 for loss. He had nine quarterback hurries and broke up three passes. He was named second-team All-SEC by both the Associated Press and coaches.
Most recent ranking: Not ranked in the 2010 postseason countdown.
Making the case for Hightower: From the time he started the season opener as a true freshman in 2008, Hightower has had greatness written all over him. He tore the ACL in his left knee during the fourth game of his sophomore season and was able to get that year of eligibility back. Now fully recovered, the 6-4, 260-pound Hightower says he's back to his old self with the same explosiveness, same speed and same nose for the ball. He will again move around this season depending on down and distance, and one of his most important roles will be rushing the passer off the edge. The Crimson Tide didn't get the kind of consistent pressure they wanted last season, and the combination of Hightower on one side and Courtney Upshaw on the other side should fix that. Hightower is an excellent tackler and a true game-changer with his ability to make the big defensive play. Look for him to make a bunch of them this season.
Previously
No. 6: Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina
No. 7: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
No. 8: Barrett Jones, OG, Alabama
No. 9: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
No. 10: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
No. 11: Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
No. 12: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
No. 13: Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
No. 14: Mike Dyer, RB, Auburn
No. 15: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
No. 16: Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas
No. 17: Danny Trevathan, LB, Kentucky
No. 18: Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia
No. 19: Jerry Franklin, LB, Arkansas
No. 20: Malik Jackson, DT, Tennessee
No. 21: Orson Charles, TE, Georgia
No. 22: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
No. 23: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
No. 24: Jaye Howard, DT, Florida
No. 25: Janzen Jackson, S, Tennessee