Rolando McClain

Rolando McClain, Alabama Linebacker, Won't Return for Senior Year

By JJ on

Rolando+McClain in Citi BCS National Championship - Alabama v Texas

Linebacker Rolando McClain #25 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates with the BCS Championship trophy after winning the Citi BCS National Championship January 7. (Getty Images)more pics »Rolando McClain announced at a press conference Monday that he would not be heading back to the University of Alabama to finish out his senior year. Widely considered the best linebacker in college football, McClain is projected to be chosen in the top half of the first round of the upcoming draft. That projection had a lot to do with his decision.

Rolando McClain (Getty Images)
"Coach tells all of us, if you're a first rounder and that's certain, then you should look at the option of leaving. If you're not, then stay," he told the Bleacher Report earlier this year.

McClain was honored this season with the Butkus award as the top college linebacker. He also won an SEC and a national championship, so there's not much left for him to accomplish on the collegiate level. "I'm going to leave the university pretty satisfied with what I've done here," McClain said.

McClain said Monday that he spoke with Alabama coach Nick Saban before making his decision, and he feels like the Alabama team will be plenty strong without him.