While the number of players entering the 2015 NFL Draft continues to pile up for the Alabama Crimson Tide, head coach Nick Saban received some form of good news Thursday when linebacker Reggie Ragland and defensive lineman Jarran Reed decided they will each return to school for the 2015 season.
“I’ve thought a lot about this decision and talked to my family, coach Saban, and everyone close to me,” Ragland said in a statement. “I’m going to return to the University of Alabama for my senior season. One of the big factors for me and my family is earning my degree and I’m on track to graduate. You only form a brotherhood like this once and I look forward to spending another season here with my teammates. Roll Tide.”
During his junior season, Ragland recorded 95 tackles, second on the team, to go along with 10.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Ragland’s presence should be a major boost to the unit hoping to lower their points per game allowed in 2015.
On the other hand, Reed, an East Mississippi Community College transfer, was a stalwart on the defensive line during his first season with the team leading the group with 60 tackles and 5.5 for a loss.
“After sitting down with my family, Coach Saban and Coach (Bo) Davis, I have decided to return to Alabama for my senior year,” Reed said. “I am on track to finish my degree and that is very important to me. The chance to play in the NFL is still my dream, but I am excited about another year at Alabama with my teammates. I learned a lot being here last year, and I’m confident another year will only improve my chances to succeed in the future.”
The real mastermind, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, must find a way to improve the usually stingy defense in hopes of returning the Tide to atop the college football landscape.
*Section Photo credit to Marvin Gentry, USA Today Sports; Featured Photo (above) credit to Matthew Emmons, USA Today Sports
