Notre Dame Opponent Player Preview: Barrett Jones

November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman Barrett Jones (75) celebrates following a win over the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU, 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Barrett Jones first played in the National Title in 2009 when the Crimson Tide took on the Texas Longhorns at Right Guard. In 2011, when the Crimson Tide played the LSU Tigers, Jones was lined up at Left Tackle. When he lines up against Notre Dame, he will be playing at Center. No Offensive Linemen has ever completed such a marvelous feat. This illustrates his talent and intelligence.

At 6’5″ 311 lbs, Barrett Jones has collected several awards this season for his outstanding on the field play. Jones won the Rimington Trophy. He also was All-SEC and a Unanimous All-American. He is the leader of an Alabama Offensive Line that shoved its way to a 224.62 rushing yard per game average.

Jones is also outstanding off of the field. He earned a degree in Accounting with a 4.0 grade point average. He currently is working towards his masters degree. He won the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is considered to be the “Academic Heisman”.

Barrett Jones was injured during the SEC Championship Game but played the rest of the game. Jones has not practiced yet in preparation for the National Championship Game. However, he is expected to play against Alabama. Regardless, his play will be hampered by his injured football. Louis Nix III should be able to to take advantage of this. This may seem like a small victory for Notre Dame but if Alabama is forced to commit two players to Louis Nix, #5 will be running free to the ball carrier. In addition, the Alabama Offensive Line was very average protecting the passer this year giving up 23 sacks on the season or almost 2 sacks per game. This total ranks them 54th in the country. Notre Dame has 33 sacks on the season, which is 23rd in the nation. With an injured Jones, Notre Dame may be able to “pin their ears back” on 3rd Down and get to A.J. McCarron.