Alabama Players in the NFL Playoffs

Saturday begins the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.  Eight teams remain in the hunt to play in one of the biggest sporting events in the world, the Super Bowl.  These teams will also provide excellent exposure for the Alabama Crimson TIde, as many alumni of the program will be on display in front of massive national audiences.  While some fan favorites were unable to get past the Wild Card Round last weekend (Eddie Lacy, DeMeco Ryans, Dre Kirkpatrick), several more will be able to help their teams achieve one of the ultimate goals in American sports.  Here are some names to look out for this weekend:

Mark Ingram, Running Back, New Orleans Saints

Alabama's only Heisman winner has had a tough time fitting in with the Saints' high powered passing offense.  However, after strong performances against the Cowboys and Panthers in the regular season, and against the Eagles in the Wild Card, Ingram has become the featured back in the Saints' offense.  If he wants to really get momentum headed into next season, a strong outting against a tough Seattle defense that calls itself the "Legion of Boom" would certainly help.  After the Seahawks shut down Drew Brees in the regular season, expect Sean Payton to call more runs, giving Ingram the chance to build on his strong end to the season.

Roman Harper, Safety, New Orleans Saints

Another Bama guy on the Saints is safety Roman Harper.  Harper famously caused the fumble that gave Alabama a 6-3 win over Tennessee in 2005.  However, the most famous play he has a Saint is being one of many NO defenders who got ran over by Marshawn Lynch on a long TD run that gave him the "Beast Mode" nickname.  Harper and the Saints can make that all go away if they can stop Seattle this weekend.

Trent Richardson, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns last season, Richardson was traded to the Colts after just two games this season and has struggled mightily.  He has been benche behind Donald Brown, and in his only carry from the Wild Card game against Kansas City he fumbled.  Richardson has a major chance at redemption this weekend, but he'll have to do it against a New England team that is nearly unbeatable at home.  If things don't turn arond quickly, Richardson's time in Indy could be over before it ever really started.

LeRon McClain, Fullback, and DJ Fluker, Offensive Lineman, San Diego Chargers

McClain came from the Shula era at Bama, and had several Pro Bowl seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.  His career has been revived in San Diego as he looks for playoff glory that escpaed him in Baltimore.  DJ Fluker went 11th overall in the 2013 draft, and he has been well worth the pick.  Fluker at times struggles in pass protection, but he is one of the best run blockers in the league.  He also showed versatility by moving from right to left tackle in the middle of the season. These two and the rest of the Chargers face what may be the best team in football, the Denver Broncos.  However, San Diego bested Denver once in the regular season, and the Chargers have a ton of confidence after blowing out the Bengals last weekend.

Dont'a Hightower, Linebacker, New England Patriots

When Hightower joined the Patriots, he became another cog in a talented linebacker core.  However, this seasom injuries have pushed Hightower into a larger role, one that he was initially uncomfortable in.  Still, the Pats' defense improves wekkly, and Hightower is quickly becoming a leader on a team full of playoff experience.  He'll have his hands full with Indy's weapons on offense, but the future is bright for Hightower in New England.

Robert Lester, Safety, Carolina Panthers

Lester had a brilliant career with the Tide, but went undrafted this offseason and signed as a free agent with the Panthers.  He made the most of his chance and has become one of the best rookie defenders in the NFL.  He leads the team in interceptions, and has been a force against the run as well.  The Panthers will need that to contain the scambling abaility of San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick.