For the 11th time in the Nick Saban era, an Alabama middle linebacker was drafted by the NFL. Henry To’o To’o joins the list when he was picked by the Houston Texans with the 167th overall selection of the fifth round. To’o To’o is the ninth Crimson Tide player taken in the draft and the fifth from the defensive side of the ball.

He rejoins teammates Will Anderson, Christian Harris and John Metchie with a Texans team coached by DeMeco Ryans.

To’o To’o was a leader and starter on the Alabama defense the previous two seasons after transferring from Tennessee. A speedy player built from the model of a modern middle linebacker, To’o To’o became an asset from sideline to sideline.

An All-SEC player in 2022, To’o To’o was second on the team with 94 tackles (eight for loss) including 2.5 sacks.

The fact To’o To’o was drafted on the third day continues a trend among Alabama middle linebackers. None have been picked in the first round in any of the past five years with the most recent being Rashaan Evans in 2018. Before that, four were first-rounders from 2010-17 along with Reggie Ragland who was a surprise slip to the second round in 2016.

Alabama middle LBs in draft

• 2023: Henry To’o To’o, Texans (5th round, 133rd overall)
• 2022: Christian Harris, Texans (3rd round, 75th overall)
• 2019: Mack Wilson, Browns (5th round, 155th overall)
• 2018: Rashaan Evans, Titans (1st round, 22nd overall)
• 2018: Shaun Dion Hamilton, Washington (6th round, 197th overall)
• 2017: Reuben Foster, 49ers (1st round, 31st overall)
• 2016: Reggie Ragland, Bills (2nd round, 41st overall)
• 2014: CJ Mosley, Ravens (1st round, 17th overall)
• 2013: Nico Johnson, Chiefs (4th round, 99th overall)
• 2012: Dont’a Hightower, Patriots (1st round, 25th overall)
• 2010: Rolando McClain, Raiders (1st round, 8th overall)