Ken Rogers
07/24 at 01:22 AM

HOOVER — Rolando McClain would rather have been almost anywhere in the world other than the massive ballroom at The Wynfrey Hotel on Thursday morning.

On the All-American linebacker’s list of favorite things to do, talking football with the media ranks somewhere between undergoing a root canal without anesthesia and performing the lead in a Broadway musical.

“Why’d y’all choose me? Choose Javy (Arenas),” McClain said, recalling his reaction when asked to represent Alabama at the SEC Media Days.

But maybe it’s an indication of growing maturity and his expanding leadership role that the 6-foot-4, 249-pound junior from Decatur was here. This wasn’t his comfort zone, but he did it for his team.

“I’m real laid back. I do my job, go to work,” McClain said. “I don’t like to be in the eyes of the media or in the limelight. I don’t really care for it. I just like to work hard.”

Actually, McClain did very well Thursday — even if he’d rather have been running or lifting or doing just about anything else.

“I haven’t always been a vocal leader,” McClain said. “That’s something Coach Saban wants me to be now ... But anything that’s going to benefit the team, I’ll do it. I don’t mind doing it. I don’t mind staying late, teaching guys plays, going over the playbook with guys if it’s going to help me and my team.”

Saban said McClain’s improvement as a leader is evident.

“I think he showed a tremendous amount of maturity from his freshman year when he started to last year. I think his maturity is not just as a football player, but what he’s been able to do as a leader.

“Leadership is not really an easy thing. There are some people who have natural leadership qualities to affect other people. ... Ro has certainly matured in that regard because he is a very good leader. He does affect other people.”

McClain has been doing that this summer with Alabama’s touted incoming freshmen. With the transfer of starting jack linebacker Brandon Fanney, McClain has been schooling Andalusia’s Nico Johnson, along with Tana Patrick and Petey Smith.

Alabama has a number of options in its linebacker corps. Sophomore Courtney Upshaw of Eufaula will get a strong look to replace Fanney. On the other hand, Dont’a Hightower could move from inside linebacker next to McClain to the edge. That would create an opportunity inside.

McClain drew praise for enhancing Hightower’s development last year. He’s working just as hard with the newcomers.

“I guess I’m a mentor now,” McClain said with a smile. “I’m just a junior. Last year I was a sophomore and I had to teach Dont’a a lot of things. But I think those guys look at me not just because how I play or perform, but because of how I work.

“They see how I work. They know I know what it takes to be good in the SEC, which is very tough. I think those guys, they like how I work. They’re working just as hard.”

McClain has been impressed with the newcomers and their attitude to get better.

“It’s going good. Surprising they’re working so hard in the weight room. They’re working so hard running. They’re so eager to learn every day,” he said. “Somebody’s calling me or texting me, ‘Hey, when are we going to watch film?’ That’s surprising me that they’re so eager to learn. They want to know what to do.

“They’re all doing a great job. They all want to learn. They all want to be good. I think it’s an honor that they look up to me for that.”
McClain didn’t offer an opinion on what the Tide will do at linebacker.

“It’s Coach Saban’s decision. Dont’a can play any linebacker position on the field. We have a lot of good recruits coming in. If they can learn what to do, they may play jack and leave Dont’a beside me,” he said.

The middle linebacker is sure that Saban will put the best players on the field. He added that Hightower can handle any role.

“Coach Saban’s gonna put him in the best position for our team,” McClain said. “I know he’s not gonna play anybody beside me that can’t do as good a job if not better than Dont’a.”

He said Saban meets with every player after each season and tells them what they need to improve. He Saban told him to “polish up” his play.

“I’m trying to polish everything up in my game and become a better leader so that my team can be better,” McClain said.

He was asked if his appearance at SEC Media Days was part of that process.

“I guess so,” he said. “I don’t know if it’ll help me on the field. I’m sure they’re gonna try to get me to do some things after games. I ain’t really looking forward to it, but ...”

The leader in him just may be back.