Courtney Upshaw, Senior, Linebacker, Alabama
Overview:
Courtney Upshaw was a staple on special teams during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. The linebacker was always a menace on kickoff coverage and that is where most of his tackles occurred during his first two years with Alabama. However, during his sophomore campaign, Upshaw made quite a few appearances at the Crimson Tide’s jack linebacker position and even earned his first start. His most memorable moment was the key fumble recovery in the BCS National Championship game that sealed Alabama’s victory.
Upshaw was ready to step into a full time starting position in 2010. He ended the year with 52 tackles, 14.5 tackles-for-loss, 7.0 sacks and an impressive four forced fumbles. Upshaw saved his best game for Auburn. Even though Alabama lost in painful fashion, the play of Upshaw catapulted him into the national spotlight. He had ten total tackles against the eventual BCS National Champions and added 3.0 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Final Projection:
Upshaw is the blitzing inside linebacker in Alabama’s 3-4 defense. He could play that same role in the NFL or move to the outside and do some blitzing from there. His intelligence and versatility leave plenty of options for NFL teams to fit the 6-2, 263 pound linebacker into their scheme.
1/16/12 Update:
Upshaw had another great season leading the Alabama defense to a national championship. He led the Crimson Tide with 8.5 sacks and 17.0 tackles-for-loss during the 2011 campaign and did a little bit of everything else. With that production, Upshaw will almost certainly be an outside linebacker at the next level and that is the best fit for him. That may limit him to NFL teams that a run a 3-4 defense, but Upshaw is a first round talent.
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