Alabama football: Rolando McClain
Alabama football: Rolando McClain

Here is the official release:
TUSCALOOSA – Alabama junior linebacker Rolando McClain has been named the winner of the 2009 Jack Lambert Award, presented to the nation’s top collegiate linebacker, the Touchdown Club of Columbus (Ohio) announced Monday.

The Decatur, Ala., native leads the Crimson Tide with 101 tackles this season, including 12.5 tackles for loss (-58 yards) and four sacks (-36 yards). He also added 14 quarterback pressures, three pass breakups, two interceptions (21 return yards) and forced one fumble.

A 2009 team captain and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, McClain anchors an Alabama defense that leads the nation in scoring defense (11.0 ppg) and pass efficiency defense (88.81 rating) and ranks second in rushing defense (77.9 ypg) and total defense (241.69 ypg). The Tide is also seventh nationally in pass defense (177.82 ypg).

The Crimson Tide led the SEC in rushing defense, total defense, scoring defense and pass efficiency defense, and ranks second in passing defense heading into its BCS National Championship Game matchup with No. 2 Texas on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

A three-time national defensive player of the week, McClain recorded double figure tackles against Florida International (10), Kentucky (12), Mississippi State (11) and Auburn (12). In addition to his 12 tackles in a 38-20 win at Kentucky on Oct. 3, McClain was also responsible for three of the Crimson Tide’s four takeaways in the game, which resulted in 17 points.

McClain is the first Alabama linebacker to win the Lambert Award since its inception in 1991. The award is named for former Kent State standout and Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer, Jack Lambert. The award will be presented during the 55th Touchdown Club of Columbus Sports Award Banquet on Feb. 6, 2010.

5 thoughts on “Rolando McClain Wins 2009 Jack Lambert Award”

  1. Now he’s won the Butkus award. Go to hell Berry and Spikes! Ro, please stay! D’onta and Nico and Tana and the rest of us need you. Especially if Sanseri goes to the Semi Holes. RTR!

  2. We just landed Adrian “BIG NASTY” Hubbard from Georgia. Literally a 6’7″ 230 lbs. — they’re going to bulk him up to 270 and let him unleash hell. FEAR THE DEFENSE. They don’t call him BIG NASTY for nothing.

    QUOTE:

    “Alabama was already in his heart,” Jerome Hubbard says. “He knew in his heart even before the SEC Championship Game that he wanted to go to Alabama. The visit only confirmed it.”

    Just keep on ROLLINNN!!!!!!!!!!!

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