He was one of the pillars in the era of Paul W. “Bear” Bryant and now, Ester James “E.J.” Junior has been awarded his flowers to the College Football Hall of Fame.
Born in North Carolina, Junior played high school football at Maplewood Comprehensive in Nashville, Tenn.
He would catch the attention of Bryant, who gave him an opportunity to play linebacker for the Crimson Tide from 1977 to 1980. Junior made impactful plays in the 1979 season, recording 52 tackles, five sacks and one blocked punt. He helped the Tide capture a national championship that year and in the previous season (1978).