Former RHS star part of Tide’s title team

By Staff
Nathan Strickland
Russellville native Nathan McAlister was confident the Alabama Crimson Tide had a good shot of winning the national title at the beginning of the year, but he never thought he would be fortunate enough to be part of the team.
McAlister walked on at Alabama as a freshman this year hoping contribute to the team in anyway he could.
This year he played the role of scout team wide receiver, taking hits from defensive All-Americans Rolondo McClain and Javier Arenas day in and day out.
McAlister said the experience he shared with his teammates last week at the BCS National Championship game in Pasadena, Calif., was well worth the hits he took in practice all season long.
McAlister fell short of winning three championships his senior year in high school. He had a shot to win in track, tennis and at the state championship game in football where he played a huge role in the Golden Tiger offensive attack in 2008.
McAlister said this experience is totally different from those.
McAlister said the trip home was fun and everyone was just ecstatic.
McAlister said he has some work to do if he wants to play a significant role on the team next year.
McAlister looks forward to the future and hopes one day he will be starting on offense for the Tide someday.
For now, McAlister can’t wait to get his 14-0 Alabama Crimson Tide 2009 National Champions ring to have something to show for his hard work against the number one defense in the land.