Alabama notes

Ingram likes McClain for the Heisman

TUSCALOOSA - Who would tailback Mark Ingram, a Heisman Trophy candidate, select among teammates if he had a vote for the award?

He'd pick linebacker Rolando McClain, Ingram said Tuesday.

"He comes to play every day," Ingram said. "He knows everything that's going on with the defense. He knows what the D-line is doing. He knows what the corners are doing. He makes all the calls and makes sure everybody is set where they are supposed to be before the play even starts. Just the overall impact he's had on the team for making plays and being a leader, that's why I would vote for him."

McClain is getting more attention as the third-ranked Crimson Tide continues on a path toward possible conference and national titles. Heading into Saturday's LSU game, McClain leads Alabama in tackles with 57, an average of more than 7 per game. Second on the list is safety and Mark Barron (48).

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has named McClain, a junior, to his "Big Board," which does not happen unless Kiper is fairly certain a player will be projected in the first round. Kiper had McClain at No. 15 on his list.

Cornerback Javier Arenas continued the McClain praise: "Just picture coach (Nick) Saban being huge and being able to play football, that's what it's like out there."

More publicity

Although Alabama is not conducting an organized campaign for Ingram's Heisman hopes, the running back has been featured more on a national perspective.

USA Today featured a story this weekend, while the New York Times was in town Monday to meet with Ingram. UA's media relations staff also organized a teleconference with Ingram and three teammates Tuesday aimed at national media.

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