Marcell Dareus

Marcell Dareus (born c. 1990 in Birmingham) is a defensive tackle for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. In his 2009 sophomore season he led the Southeastern Conference in quarterback sacks and was named Most Valuable Defensive Player in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game, won by Alabama. He is considered one of the top defensive prospects for the 2012 NFL draft.

Dareus starred at Huffman High School, graduating in 2008. He recorded 117 tackles and 20 sacks during his senior season, and also scored a touchdown returning a fumble. In his rookie season on Nick Saban's defense he played mainly as a nose guard in third-downs. He made the most impact in the Tide's games against Tennessee, Arkansas State and LSU while fellow lineman Terrance Cody recovered from injury.

In his second season he was moved to defensive end and emerged as a dangerous pass rusher. His 6.5 sacks ranked first in the SEC and 33rd nationally. He recorded 33 tackles with 19 of them unassisted and 9 of them for loss of yardage. He broke up two passes and was credited with 7 quarterback hurries. He returned an intercepted shovel pass in the BCS Championship Game 28 yards for a touchdown. That, along with the hit that knocked Texas' star quarterback Colt McCoy out of the game early, earned him the Defensive MVP award.

References

• Rhoden, William C. (January 8, 2010) "Dareus’s Big Plays Surprised Even Him" New York Times
• Suttles, Aaron (January 8, 2010) "Dareus secures his spot in Crimson Tide lore." Tuscaloosa News

External links

• Marcell Dareus profile at rolltide.com