The Saban 250: No. 141-150, Not All Careers Went as Expected

When you talk about unsung heroes of Alabama national championship teams under Nick Saban, look no further than Shaun Dion Hamilton in 2017.

After moving into a starting role in 2015, he earned the starting job gig in the middle next to Butkus Award winner Reuben Foster, only to suffer a season-ending knee injury in the SEC Championship Game against Florida. At the time he was third on the Crimson Tide in tackles with 64, including nine tackles for loss and two sacks, and was considered one of the team's best run-stoppers. Moreover, he had really emerged as a team leader.

“He’s worked really hard,” Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said at the beginning of camp, noting that Hamilton was close to being back to full strength following knee surgery. “I think he’s confident that he’s healthy. “He has a very, very good understanding of our defense, what we do, the concepts of how we play things, and that’s going to benefit him.”

However, Hamilton was largely overlooked outside of Tuscaloosa following the setback. Moreover, after watching from the sidelined when Alabama played in the College Football Playoff, he still had to work his way back in 2017 while the Crimson Tide had some other very talented linebackers waiting in the wings. He went from being in the shadow of Foster, to Rashaan Evans, while younger players Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses pushed for playing time and for their chance.

"We’re ’Bama. We just reload,” Hamilton said. “Everybody is going to embrace the challenge.”

Hamilton, exactly as many expected, did come back and played a significant role on the 2017 team, which like 2015 won the national title, plus was named a team captain. However, along the way he suffered a season-ending knee injury against LSU to close out his Crimson Tide career.

He's a glaring example of a player who overcame adversity, but one can't help but wonder what might have been under different circumstances. There are more than a few of those in the Saban 250 (ranking the players who made the biggest impact during the era).

The Saban 250: 141-150

Remembering The Catch

Under normal circumstances, he probably wouldn’t have been on the field. But when Alabama football faces Auburn, normal often goes right out the window.

In 2021, the Crimson Tide had already locked up the SEC West division title and its spot in the SEC Championship Game, but both its national title and Heisman Trophy chances with Bryce Young were still on the line. Like usual, the regular season would close with the Iron Bowl, which would be especially challenging at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Alabama had lost three of its last four games at Auburn dating back to 2013, and another setback appears to be in the works. With the offense struggling, Alabama trailed 10-3 with it got the back at its own 3, and just 1:27 remaining on the clock.

Even though he didn’t have his top target, as wide receiver Jameson Williams had been ejected for targeting in the second quarter. Young calmly got to work. Alabama converted on third or fourth down three times, including once to the freshman who had been asked to step up as a replacement, Ja’Corey Brooks.  

With 29 seconds remaining, Alabama was facing third-and-10 from the Auburn 28, and everyone in the Tigers’ student section was completely going bonkers. Brooks ended up in man coverage, and hauled in the over-the-shoulder touchdown catch to break their hearts.