Alabama linebacker Adrian Hubbard plans to declare eligibility for the NFL draft, according to cbssports.com.
A fourth-year junior, Hubbard made just 31 tackles on the season and saw his sack total drop from seven to three the last two years. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound linebacker is very athletic, however, and would likely run an impressive 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine next month. His frame and length are what NFL clubs look for in a pass rusher, but Hubbard struggles at times with open-field tackling. He has experience at both the strongside and 'Jack' outside linebacker positions in UA coach Nick Saban's 3-4 defense.
It's unlikely that Hubbard's departure comes with Saban's blessing.
Saban typically only encourages players who have been projected as a first-round draft pick to enter the NFL draft early, although there have been exceptions; Saban supported the decision of second-round pick Eddie Lacy last year. While it's unclear what feedback Hubbard received from the NFL Draft Advisory Board, he isn't among the Alabama prospects considered to be potential first-round talents, such as linebacker C.J. Mosley, left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
Meanwhile, Hubbard himself has been somewhat of a tease to the Crimson Tide fan base about the decision:
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