[Bamabeachlivin]

NAME: Chris Jordan
POSITION: Running back/linebacker
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2, 201
HOMETOWN/SCHOOL: Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy
SENIOR YEAR STATS: Rushed for 1,160 yards and 16 touchdowns despite missing several games with an ankle injury.
ESPN SCOUTS INC. GRADE/POSITION RANK: 80 (No. 20 OLB)

LIKELIHOOD TO START IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 3
LIKELIHOOD TO PLAY IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 3

THE SKINNY
Many scouts project Jordan as a linebacker, but he appears ticketed for running back in college, at least initially. With Alabama already loaded at tailback, it's unlikely more than one freshman will get a chance to enter the rotation in 2008. Jordan will have to beat out Mark Ingram and Ivan Matchett, among others, for a spot. Jordan has also had a history of injury (ankle in 2007, knee in 2006), so he'll have to stay healthy in order to get the necessary practice reps if he hopes to avoid a redshirt in 2008. If he indeed moves to linebacker, his chances of playing as a freshman would rise significantly.

ESPN SCOUTS INC. EVALUATION
As impressive a runner as Jordan is for his size, he is tailor-made to play as an outside linebacker. He is a wonderful athlete with an excellent blend of range, sideline-to-sideline speed and football instincts. Is at his best in space versus the run and can be very productive when protected. Shows the range to play from sideline-to-sideline. He takes very few false steps and there is minimal wasted movement. Takes decent angles and has very good closing burst in pursuit. Diagnoses quickly and plays upfield with a nice tempo. He is a very fluid athlete. Gets a deep drop in zone coverage — covers a lot of ground and reaches top speed in a hurry. Has the athletic ability and speed to blanket most RB's. Also has very good leaping skills and long arms. As a pass rusher, he has speed around the corner and very good closing burst. He can be slippery when blitzing up the middle, and he wins a lot of one-on-one battles when he uses his ahnds and quickness. This is not a player that will win a lot of fist fights in a phone booth, lacks bulk and needs to get in the weightroom. He is a big, poweful I-formation back with downhill speed and a slashing style. Runs too upright and lacks great wiggle, but can press the hole and really turn it on when in the open field. Overall, Jordan is a fantastic athlete with range, versatility and football speed. Good overall intangibles.
Story

[Stoney]

Saban likes kids who can play on both sides of the pigskin.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Now if LB's is needed here is a player that would do a fine job more than likely plus he has played LB as well as RB so he already knows how to play the position.

[Stoney]

I think Saban has been after several "ATHELETES" who can play more than one position. It is my feeling that we may see multiple true freshmen playing this season because they can play more than one position.