Alabama Football: Top 10 players in 2014

Louisiana will be on edge Thursday, as the College Football Playoff begins with Alabama versus Ohio State inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Both teams have arrived in New Orleans on a mission. Ohio State looks to re-establish the Big Ten as one of the best conferences nationally. Alabama is out for vengeance, looking to erase a horrid memory of its 2014 Sugar Bowl loss to Oklahoma. Two powerhouse programs will battle, but one will advance in its national title hunt.

Alabama has achieved balance offensively, averaging 490.5 yards per game. Opposing teams haven’t had success running the ball against the Crimson Tide. It’s allowed 88.6 yards per contest and three rushing touchdowns. Alabama’s secondary has been a pleasant surprise. It was thought to be its weakest link, yet it’s forced 17 interceptions. Defensive backs Landon Collins, Geno Smith and Nick Perry all have been stellar in run support.

Some players took a while to emerge, but there are other athletes who displayed consistency all season. These were players that took on leadership roles, and gave constant effort on the field. Here is a list of the top 10 players in Alabama football in 2014.

10. Cyrus Jones, Cornerback

• Classification: Junior
• Size: 5-10/194 pounds
• 2014 stats: 44 tackles, two interceptions, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery

9. Xzavier Dickson, Outside Linebacker

• Classification: Senior
• Size: 6-3/268 pounds
• 2014 stats: 37 stops (10.5 tackles for loss), eight sacks, 10 quarterback hurries and two pass breakups

8. Jarran Reed, Defensive Lineman

• Classification: Junior
• Size: 6-4/315 pounds
• 2014 stats: 52 tackles (6.5 tackles for loss), five pass breakups and a sack

7. JK Scott, Punter

• Classification: Freshman
• Size: 6-4/185 pounds
• 2014 stats: 47.0 yards per punt, 26 kicks inside the 20-yard line and 18 punts in excess of 50 yards

6. Derrick Henry, Running Back

• Classification: Sophomore
• Size: 6-3/240 pounds
• 2014 stats: 895 rushing yards (5.6 average), 10 touchdowns

5. Blake Sims, Quarterback

• Classification: Senior
• Size: 6-0/208 pounds
• 2014 stats: 64.8 percent completion rating, 3,250 yards, 32 total touchdowns (26 passing, 6 rushing) and seven interceptions

4. Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker

• Classification: Junior
• Size: 6-2/254 pounds
• 2014 stats: 88 stops (8.5 tackles for loss), 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, one interception and a forced fumble

3. Cam Robinson, Offensive Lineman

• Classification: Freshman
• Size: 6-6/323 pounds
• 2014 stats: 490.5 total yards (281 passing, 209.5 rushing), 62 total touchdowns assisted on (32 rushing, 30 passing) and 13 sacks allowed

2. Landon Collins, Safety

• Classification: Junior
• Size: 6-0/222 pounds
• 2014 stats: 91 tackles (3.5 tackles for loss), six pass breakups, three interceptions, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble

1. Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver

• Classification: Junior
• Size: 6-1/210 pounds
• 2014 stats: 115 catches, 1,656 yards and 14 touchdowns (127.4 yards per game)

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.