Rolando McClain bio: Everything you wanted to know about Rolando McClain

[BK]

Straight out of the NFL Scouting Guide:

ROLANDO MC CLAIN Middle Linebacker University of Alabama Crimson Tide #25 6:03.3-254 Decatur, Alabama Decatur High School

OVERVIEW
The grand prize from head coach Nick Saban’s first recruiting class at Alabama, McClain rapidly developed into one of the premier players in the collegiate ranks. Looking to rebuild the program around a strong defense, the middle linebacker played a vital role in the team’s progression from also-ran to national champion.

The defensive signal-caller has the power and downhill ability to excel in stuffing the inside run. He also has the balance, speed and pursuit quickness to string plays wide. Before his arrival, the Tide ranked 46th in the nation vs. the run in 2006. During his freshman campaign, McClain helped Alabama finish 28th against the run (124.15 ypg). The front seven continued to improve, as the defense ranked second vs. the run in both 2008 (74.14 ypg) and 2009 (77.92 ypg).

While most college middle linebackers are a bit deficient in pass coverage, this was not the case with McClain. His loose hips, ability to stay on the hip of the receiver and refusal to bite on play action make McClain a strong pass defender.
McClain was regarded by many to be the top linebacker in the nation during his days at Decatur High School. Rivals.com ranked him 25th overall in the prep ranks and the top player in the state of Alabama. He ranked 10th nationally by Scout.com and was the top-rated linebacker on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Top 100 list.

McClain was an Orlando Sentinel 2006 All-Southern team member, earning Parade All-American honors in his final season. He also received All-Region VIII honors as a line-backer and All-State accolades on defense and as a tight end. After his senior season, he competed in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.

In 2006, McClain recorded 106 tackles, including 13 stops for loss. He posted 104 tackles, 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage, four sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as a junior. He had 24 catches for 436 yards in his junior season and also started on the basketball team.

McClain made a big impact during his first season at Alabama. He was a first-team Fresh-man All-American pick by The Sporting News and a first-team Freshman All-Southeastern Conference choice by the league’s coaches. He was also the recipient of the team’s Lee Roy Jordan Headhunter Award in 2007.

That season he started nine of the 13 games he appeared in. McClain finished fourth on the team with 75 tackles (38 solos) that included a sack, five stops for loss and a pressure. He also broke up four passes and had two interceptions.
In 2008, McClain not only established himself as one of the leaders on Alabama's defense as a sophomore, but as one of the best linebackers in the country. A finalist for the Butkus Award, awarded to the nation’s top linebacker, he was a third- team All-American pick by The NFL Draft Report and the Associated Press.

The consensus All-SEC first-team selection started all 14 games, leading the team with 95 tackles (48 solos) while being the focal point of opponent's blocking schemes. He ranked 12th in the league with 6.79 tackles per game, recording 12.0 stops for loss that included three sacks. The Lombardi Award Watch List member deflected six passes, picked off another and recovered two fumbles.
The consensus All-American and All-SEC pick was a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award, Butkus Award and Bednarik Award. He became the second Tide player and third SEC member to capture the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker. He also earned team Player of the Week honors nine times.

McClain anchored a deep and talented linebacker corps that helped the Crimson Tide rank fourth nationally in total defense (242.22 ypg) and second in rush defense (68.22). He led the team with 105 tackles, adding four sacks while placing eighth in the conference while leading the Tide with 14.5 stops for loss. He also broke up four passes and intercepted two others.

Shortly after Alabama defeated Texas to capture the national championship, McClain announced that he was leaving the school and applying for the 2010 NFL Draft. “Rolando McClain has been as great an ambassador for the University of Alabama probably as anyone ever has in terms of how he’s represented himself, his family, the university, the state of Alabama and our team,” coach Nick Saban said.
“That’s not only in terms of being a great football player – probably the best defensive football player in the country, in my opinion, or one of them, and certainly at his position – but he always did things right. He’s done a great job academically. His leadership had as much impact.”

CAREER NOTES
McClain started 37 of 41 games at middle linebacker for the Crimson Tide...In 2009, he became the second Alabama player and third SEC performer to be named the winner of the Butkus Award, as he joined Derrick Thomas of Alabama (1988) and Patrick Willis of Mississippi (2006) as the SEC’s recipients since the award’s inception in 1985...Recorded 275 tackles (139 solos) with eight sacks for minus 67 yards, 31.5 stops for losses totaling 126 yards and 17 pressures... Caused one fumble and recovered two others, returning one four yards for a touchdown...Deflected 14 passes and intercepted five others for 73 return yards (14.6 avg)...His 31.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage rank fourth in school history, joining Wallace Gilberry (38.5, 2004-07), Kindal Moorehead (34.0, 1998-2002) and DeMeco Ryans (33.0, 2002- 05) ...His 14.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage in 2009 rank third on Alabama’s season-record list behind Travis Carroll (16.0 in 1998) and Trevis Smith (16.0 in 1998).

2009 SEASON
Unanimous All-American first-team selection...Recipient of the Butkus Award, becoming the second Tide player and third athlete in the conference to earn that honor since the award’s inception in 1985...Semifinalist for the Lombardi Award, Butkus Award and Bednarik Award...Added All-SEC first-team accolades...Named the Bronko Nagurski Award National Defensive Player of the Week following the Kentucky game...Selected Tide Player of the Week nine times in 2009...Started all 14 games at middle linebacker, leading the team for the second consecutive year with a career-best 105 tackles (53 solos), ranking eighth in the SEC with an average of 7.5 hits per game...Had four tackles and led the team with 14.5 stops for losses of 63 yards, ranking third in the league with an average of 1.04 stops for loss per game...His 14.5 tackles behind the line rank third on the school season-record chart...Generated 14 quarterback pressures and caused one fumble...Deflected four passes and intercepted two others for 21 yards in returns...Chased down opposing ball carriers 75 times, limiting the opposition to 163 yards and no touchdowns on the ground, as the Tide finished second in the nation in rush defense (87.67 ypg)...McClain registered eight third-down stops vs. the run and 12 more vs. the pass...He delivered seven of his tackles inside the red zone, including two on goalline stands.

2008 SEASON
All-American third-team selection by The NFL Draft Report and Associated Press...Finalist for the Butkus Award... Consensus All-SEC first-team choice...Was named the Crimson Tide's Outstanding Defensive Performer and Defensive Player of the Year...Added Academic All-SEC honors...Took over middle linebacker duties full-time, starting all 14 games...Led the team with 95 tackles (48 solos) that included three sacks for minus 22 yards and two pressures...Led the Tide with 12.0 stops for minus 45 yards, ranking 12th in the SEC (0.86 tpg)...Batted down six passes and intercepted another for a 12-yard return...Also recovered two fumbles, returning one four yards for a touchdown vs. Kentucky...Led a unit that ranked second in the nation in rush defense (74.14 ypg), tied for third in total defense (263.5 ypg) and placed seventh in scoring defense (14.29 ppg).. The Tide did not allow more than 100 yards rushing in 11 contests.

2007 SEASON
Freshman All-American first-team pick by The Sporting News and Freshman All-SEC first-team selection by the league’s media...Recipient of the team’s Lee Roy Jordan Headhunter Award...Played in 13 games, starting nine contests while coming off the bench vs. Houston, Mississippi, Mississippi State and Louisiana-Monroe...Finished fourth on the team with 75 tackles (38 solos), as he produced a 9-yard sack and five stops for losses of 14 yards...Deflected four passes and intercepted two others for 40 yards in returns.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.69 in the 40-yard dash...1.68 10-yard dash...2.66 20-yard dash...4.41 20-yard shuttle...7.91 three-cone drill...35-inch vertical jump...9’1” broad jump...Bench pressed 225 pounds 24 times...33-inch arm length...Right hand measured 9- inches/left hand measured 9 3/8-inches.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Decatur (Ala.) High School, playing football for head coach Jere Ad****...Regarded by many to be the top linebacker in the nation...Rivals.com ranked him 25th overall in the prep ranks and the top player in the state of Alabama...Ranked tenth nationally by Scout.com and was the top-rated linebacker on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Top 100 list...Orlando Sentinel 2006 All-Southern team member, earning Parade All-American honors in his final season...Received All-Region VIII honors as a line-backer and All-State accolades on defense and as a tight end...After his senior season, he competed in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl...In 2006, McClain recorded 106 tackles, including 13.0 stops for loss...Had 104 tackles, 11 stops behind the line of scrimmage, four sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as a junior...Also made 24 catches for 436 yards in his junior season...Started on the basketball team.

PERSONAL
General Studies major...Born 7/14/89...Resides in Decatur, Alabama.

[Murphy for six]

cant wait to see what he brings to the field!

[JQNJRaider]

I think we got ourselves a hell of a player. Didn't like picking at the 8 spot, and definitely don't like our history of picks in the top 10, but I think we got ourselves a winner here.

[Kakish]

Im very happy with this pick...

[Navabro]

He's gonna be a helluva player for the Raiders and can't wait to see him out there on the field.I usually don't get Raiders 1st round pick jersey's but I may get McClain's
Im More Sure about this 1st round pick then the last 4 1st round picks and think the Raiders made the right choice.

I Hope McClain = Defensive Rookie of the Year

[The Big G]

The Second Coming of Ray Lewis has arrived...

[Murphy for six]

He's gonna be a helluva player for the Raiders and can't wait to see him out there on the field.I usually don't get Raiders 1st round pick jersey's but I may get McClain's
Im More Sure about this 1st round pick then the last 4 1st round picks and think the Raiders made the right choice.

I Hope McClain = Defensive Rookie of the Year

I may just Get McClains Jersey this year as well!

[pantera55]

On the post draft show they were saying how weird it was to be able to compliment them on their first round draft choice and that we finally got it right. I really like what this kid brings to he table. Lets keep this up for the rest of the draft

[bamaboy256]

you guys just got yourselves a hell of a player and a new raiders fan. I'm from alabama so i've never really had a pro team, so this year i said wherever mcclain went i would be a fan of that team. This was a great pick and i hope all the long time raider's fans are happy with this pick.

[s_adams66]

Awesome...we finally move to a 3-4 and it makes complete sense because he will be a MLB. If not then peace out to Wimbley...

[101proofRdrFan]

you guys just got yourselves a hell of a player and a new raiders fan. I'm from alabama so i've never really had a pro team, so this year i said wherever mcclain went i would be a fan of that team. This was a great pick and i hope all the long time raider's fans are happy with this pick.

Glad to have you. I know from being stationed in Ft Campbell KY that BAMA fans are some of the most die hard college fans in America. Welcome to the group of the most die hard fans in the NFL. Weve been through the best and the worst and still stick around. Team has a great history and background. First Roll Tide fan I met I thought he was crazy for always wearing the gear and tat of an elephant. Then I went to Alabama and realized that you guys are all crazy!

EDIT: If we get Mt Cody you better bring a few more people this way.

[Yogi]

Awesome...we finally move to a 3-4 and it makes complete sense because he will be a MLB. If not then peace out to Wimbley...

On the Raiders website there is a Cable interview where he states that Wimbley will start and that McClain will be the Mike LB in our 4-3 defense................................

[s_adams66]

[QUOTE=RaiderNation505;3247391]On the Raiders website there is a Cable interview where he states that Wimbley will start and that McClain will be the Mike LB in our 4-3 defense................................[/QUOTE

Call it what you want but this is ridiculous.

[Gawdzilla]

Sounds great!

I actually like our 1st Round pick this year, very nice. I also liked hearing Cable say specifically that they aren't drafting athletes, but football players who know how to play the positions we need. Hopefully we will be just as practical with our 2nd-round pick. I'm actually excited about it!

[KensaiKatai]

Awesome...we finally move to a 3-4 and it makes complete sense because he will be a MLB. If not then peace out to Wimbley...

[quote=s_adams66;3247412]

On the Raiders website there is a Cable interview where he states that Wimbley will start and that McClain will be the Mike LB in our 4-3 defense................................[/QUOTE

Call it what you want but this is ridiculous.

do you know how formations even match up as opposed to what the opponents bring out on offense? Do you know how adjusments are made at the line of scrimmage? Frankly, do you have any idea what you are talking about? How often do you even think we run a true 4-3????

or do you just want to call it ridiculous because you think the 3-4 is what all the cool kids are doing nowadays...Do you know the strengths of our personnel better than our coaching staff?

I wish some of you would just go back to playing madden instead of trying to talk intelligently (if you call that intelligently) about what schemes we should be running, especially when most of you probably don't even know how basic gap assignment works.

and this goes to all you pro 3-4 people... we will see 3 down lineman and or 4 down lineman whenever it is NECESSARY. don't box in the defensive concepts as to not limit the types of playcalls you can throw out there and you react to the set you see on offense!! good luck running a 3-4 against a good qb running the spread. it doesn't WORK!!!! (i actually think the 3-4 is weak against the the right running game too but that's another argument)....and then you find the right 11 to suit the play whether as by speed/ability/fatigue whatever..i'm being purposefully ambiguous and am not even going to get technical because then people's heads would explode.

we can run a 4-3 on FIRST AND 10 fine with howard and wimbley on the outside AS LONG AS OUR ENDS ARE FAST. meaning 4.6 MAX. with shaugnessy, scott (coming in at end on passing downs), we have more than adequate lateral speed on the outside, McClain will be better in gap assignment than morrison could ever DREAM TO BE. the 3-4 nonsense needs to stop. the more people talk about it the more i realize how little they really know about what really goes on out there on the field.

This is more ridiculous to me than the people who think we should be playing morrison on the outside.

With seymour at DT with Kelly, this team can be built for four down lineman. whether that be 4-3, nickel, dime whatever, depends, or it SHOULD DEPEND, on what personnel the offense brings out. you don't bring out four linebackers when the offense brings out 5 wide recievers. No matter what formation we do bring out there.. i know one thing for sure, mcclain will be out there! and that instantly makes us better because it allows other people to further be able to fulfill their assignments and MAKE PLAYS without having to make up for what has been kirk's less than mediocre play. For a long time it's been 8 or 9 vs 11 out there...