With each pick arriving from the draft to One Bills Drive, we strive to find a local writer that has “smelled their breath” as Buddy Nix used to say. Today, we had the chance to ask Erik Evans, Editor in Chief at Roll ‘Bama Roll.
Erik is a double bonus because not only is he a huge Tide fan, but he’s a lifetime Bills fan as well – thanks to a love of their uniforms as a small child. You can find him on twitter @gothlaw and you can find the blog @Rollbamaroll. Additionally, if you’d like EVEN MORE fun stuff on Reggie after you read this interview, they have a great draft profile of him up on the site as well. Big thanks to Erik for taking the time to share his feelings on Reggie!
How would you describe Reggie’s time at school?
Uncle Reggie was a quiet leader and solid contributor until it was his turn in Alabama’s ridiculously deep front seven. Then, he became the vocal leader of the nation’s best defense. He paid his dues, graduated (as most Saban players do,) and absolutely was the hype man of the 2015 National Champions. He is going to be fantastic in a less-restrained NFL.
Is there anything fans outside of your team wouldn’t know about him?
People undervalue his leadership. The day after Alabama lost to Ohio State in the 2014 playoff semifinals, he essentially said that it was not over, that he would not let this team go without winning a national title. When he had the chance to turn pro, he did not — despite a R2 grade. He spent all Spring calling players out for being soft, for not doing enough to win, for them putting personal goals first. He literally had nightmares about that one loss. There is competitive — there is vocal leadership, but in terms of leading by example, with his body and mind and in the locker room and in the weight room and in the film room, there have been few better lately. He will become the soul and identity of this defense in no time.
Any game(s) we should point fans to as “the game(s)” that he stood out in?
Reggie had many great games, including the national championship against Clemson, the SEC title vs. Florida, and against rivals Tennessee and Auburn. But, for a full display of his versatility, Ragland was a one-man wrecking crew versus Arkansas’ huge offensive line: He recorded 8 tackles (7 solo,) one PBU, one sack, one forced fumble, and two QB hurries. That game was its own draft film.
Any stats jump out during his time at ‘Bama?
The thing that stands out the most about Ragland is that, for a college athlete playing against far more varied offenses than he will face in the NFL, Reggie was insanely diverse. As a junior and senior here were his stats: 195 tackles (106 solo;) 10 PBUs; 1 INT; 4 sacks; 4 FF; 3 FR.
Archive:
Round 1 – Shaq Lawson
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!