TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Over the course of 13 games and four months, AJ McCarron went from climbing a depth chart to climbing a podium to lift up the BCS Championship game trophy.
Of the Crimson Tide starters, McCarron was one of the few without experience heading into the 2011 season. By the time all was said and done, though, he gained experienced and a reputation as a leader beyond his underclassman status.
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Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.