Raiders Sign 1st Round LB Rolando McClain

The Oakland Raiders announced the signing of first-round linebacker Rolando McClain.

Length and financial terms of the deal were not announced. The eighth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, McClain is eligible to sign a six-year contract.

McClain (6-3, 249) started 37 of 41 games during his career at the University of Alabama, totaling 275 tackles, including 31.5 for a loss and 8 quarterback sacks. McClain also intercepted five passes, defended 14 others, forced a fumble and recovered two, returning one for a touchdown.

McClain was first-team All-SEC in 2008 and 2009, earned first-team All-American honors in 2009, and was last year's recipient of the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation's top linebacker. The other Alabama linebacker to win the award was the late Derrick Thomas, a Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Between his individual awards and Alabama's 2009 National Championship win over Texas, McClain opted to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL with the blessing of Nick Saban, his college coach.

After selecting McClain, the Raiders traded veteran middle linebacker Kirk Morrison to the Jacksonville Jaguars. McClain is transitioning to a 4-3 scheme after playing in a 3-4 at Alabama, but reports out of the Raiders' mini-camp and (abbreviated) OTAs were that McClain was adjusting well to his new role.

Raiders rookies and veterans reported to training camp on Wednesday, and will begin on-field practices today. McClain is expected to be on the field when they do.

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