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Dont'a Hightower # prospect in 2012 NFL Draft.

Dont'a Hightower NFL Draft Bio

Dont'a Hightower (born March 12, 1990) is an American football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Alabama, was recognized as an All-American, and was a member of two BCS National Championship teams. Hightower was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and is considered one of the best inside linebackers of his class.

Hightower attended the University of Alabama, where he played for coach Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 2008 to 2011. As one of only two true freshmen to be regular starter for the Crimson Tide in 2008, Hightower started 12 games while playing in all 14 at weakside inside linebacker ("Will") in the Alabama's 3-4 defense, next to Rolando McClain who occupied the other inside linebacker spot ("Mike"). Hightower recorded 64 tackles (4th on the team) and 2.5 tackles for loss, while also having one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He had at least one tackle in each game and had five or more stops in seven of 14 games, including 10 against Tulane and a career-high 11 at LSU. He was subsequently named to numerous Freshman All-American teams.

For the 2009 season, during the Arkansas game, Hightower suffered a knee injury in the first quarter when he was cut blocked by an Arkansas lineman. He was diagnosed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and missed the rest of the season with surgery. True freshman Nico Johnson replaced him at weakside linebacker. Hightower recorded 16 tackles including 4 tackles for loss. Having played only four games, he was granted a medical redshirt making him a redshirt sophomore in 2010.

Returning for the 2010 season, Hightower was expected to "be the nucleus of a young defense". He replaced McClain as Alabama’s middle linebacker, and captained a defense that ranked No. 1 nationally in all five major categories—scoring defense (8.8 ppg), total defense (191.3 ypg), rushing defense (74.9 ypg), pass efficiency defense (83.9 ypg) and pass defense (116.3 ypg). Hightower led the team with a career-best 81 tackles, including 37 solo stops, as well as three sacks (-16 yards) and 9.5 tackles for loss (-35 yards). He also registered eight quarterback hurries, one interception, one blocked field goal and three pass breakups.

Hightower was a consensus first-team All-American by the Associated Press, AFCA and Walter Camp as well as Rivals.com and Pro Football Weekly. He was also a finalist for the Lombardi Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, the Butkus Award and the Lott Trophy.

Draft Year: 2012 NFL Football Draft Prospect Stats for Dont'a Hightower

Pre-Rank	Prospect Name	Position Played	Height	Weight
	Dont'a Hightower	Linebacker	6 ft 3 in	270 lbs
Round	Selected	Team	School	Hometown
1	25	New England Patriots	Alabama	Lewisburg, Tennessee, United States

Learn more about 2012 NFL Draft Prospect Dont'a Hightower

Sportspool.com pre ranked Dont'a Hightower as a projected # prospect for the 2012 NFL Draft

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Dont'a Hightower is a top NFL prospect from the 2012 NFL Draft. 2012 draft prospect Dont'a Hightower player profile, bio, statistics, pre ranked mock draft and more. Enjoy our information database on Dont'a Hightower a 6 ft 3 in' 270 lbs lbs Linebacker from Alabama.