Saleem Rasheed came into Alabama a well developed freshman LB from Shades Valley HS weighing 218lbs with a Bench Press of 425lbs and Squat over 500lbs, after training with Coach Jack Eyer CSCS personal trainer for 5 months. Rasheed became the first true freshman in modern times to start on defense for the Crimson Tide and to lead the team in tackles with 84, 19 more than runner up Tony Dixon. He was named Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC. Defensive Co-ordinator Ellis Johnson is quoted “he’s the most unusual freshman we’ve ever had, and has been that way since the day he got here with his work ethic and maturity!” He’s not intimidated.  Source: Bama Magazine 9/2000 (http://alabama.scout.com/2/978891.html)
(Note: Saleem beat out two year starter Darius Gilbert and starting every game his freshman season)

Career Highlights:

Rasheed started in the first game of his freshman year at middle linebacker and would start 35 games in his Bama career. He was the first Tide freshman to start his first game on defense in the modern era.

Rasheed, an Academic All-SEC performer, had 81 tackles as a sophomore.

Following his junior season, when he led Alabama with 114 tackles, including seven for losses, two sacks and two fumbles he elected to forego his senior season for the NFL draft.  His was selected in the 2002 NFL Draft as Pick #4 in the 3rd Round.