Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland hits Florida running back Matt Jones

TUSCALOOSA- Early in the second quarter with the score tied at 14, Alabama needed a big play on defense. That big play would come from Reggie Ragland. The former Bob Jones Patriot and current Alabama linebacker blitzed into the hole. Florida running back Matt Jones fumbled the handoff and Ragland recovered at the Alabama 43-yard line.

It proved to be a game changing play as Alabama drove to a go-ahead touchdown with Blake Sims hitting Jalston Fowler for a 2-yard touchdown pass and went on to defeat Florida 42-21 on September 20.

This season Ragland has established himself as a force on defense. He got the first start of his career against West Virginia. He had a sack against Florida Atlantic and had a fumble recovery.

Against Florida had his biggest game of his career. He led Alabama with eight tackles plus the fumble recovery.

After the game, Ragland gave most of the credit to the Alabama defensive line. “I had a good game but it’s all because of the defensive line how I got my tackles. Jarron Reed, A’Shawn Robinson they struck up front.”

Leading the team in tackles “feels good but there are still things to work on as a defense and myself.”

Junior Landon Collins leads Alabama with 32 tackles this season.

Despite the close score, Alabama dominated the Florida offense limiting the Gators to 105 yards in the first half and 200 for the game.

From his Will linebacker position, Ragland has increased his productivity playing alongside Mike linebacker Trey DePriest.

“It’s good to have the leader back,” Ragland said of DePriest who missed the West Virginia game. “It’s his defense, whatever he calls I am going to run it. Landon and Trey kept our heads level we executed.”

Ragland gives his coaches credit for his progress this season. Now a junior, he played mostly special teams his first two seasons. With experience his reaction time is getting faster and he’s making plays that he might have been a step away from making .

“It’s all because of watching film and talking to Coach Steele, Coach Smart and Coach Saban. They tell me to keep my head level and as the season goes on it’s getting slower.”

As a freshman, Ragland picked up an SEC Championship ring and a BCS National Championship ring.

Ragland meets media after Florida game

With all the attention given players off field misbehavior these days Ragland keeps his attention on the field and in the classroom.

He is majoring in Consumer Science. Classes and football take up most of his time and he likes it that way.

“I’m loving it, it’s the best years of my life so far,” Ragland said of college life. “We’re constantly busy because of football. I have free time but I still have responsibility.”

Listed at 6-foot-2, 254 pounds, Ragland has the build NFL teams are looking for but that is not on his mind.

“I’m not worried about that, I’m worried only about this season.”

Alabama now gets a week off then travels to unbeaten Ole Miss on Oct. 4.

There Ragland will face former teammate at Bob Jones, receiver Collins Moore. Moore attended the Florida game and the two visited after the game. Ragland’s nephew, Reshawn Smith, is playing at Ole Miss. He played at Florence High School. He is a linebacker who redshirted last year.

A big part of Ragland’s life is at his apartment with his roommate safety Landon Collins.

“Football keeps us real busy. He stays out of trouble, he stays to himself but he has fun with his teammates and his family. We keep the focus on football,” Collins said.