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![ALVIN SAMPLES An All-American guard. A linebacker when Alabama needed him. From Tarrant High School to the Crimson Tide, Alvin Samples built his Alabama career on doing what the team needed. He played under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1967–69, contributing on the offensive line and on defense. Wearing No. 68, Samples earned All-SEC honors in 1968 and 1969 and All-America recognition in 1969. He was later selected to Alabama’s Team of the Decade for the 1960s.[rolltide] One of his biggest moments came in one of the most memorable games of the Bryant era. On October 4, 1969, Alabama and Ole Miss traded scores at Legion Field as Scott Hunter and Archie Manning led their offenses. With fewer than three minutes remaining, Samples stopped Manning for no gain on fourth down—a crucial play in the Crimson Tide’s 33–32 victory. His willingness to change roles carried into the postseason. Alabama moved him to linebacker for the Liberty Bowl against Colorado to help a depleted defense. Samples also carried his commitment beyond football. He earned a degree in metallurgical engineering in 1970 and later served 12 years on the Tarrant Board of Education. Alvin Samples passed away on January 20, 2026, at age 77. We remember an Alabama All-American whose legacy included his team, his family, and his hometown. Roll Tide. — Elephant Ink](https://imgproxy.fourthwall.dev/jqBIn0IcDMCFqZhb3XmqU_7o30fUV902RYux2K0YPC8/sm:1/enc/1z0fxECmk7d3095f/erwqJ4YbYGYoVYSp/iKyPpVJGReBbx9Ep/tLAMq3Ov5ZWqGDel/vqKoftaqZe9iLZST/4CBlUcAo2F5l2x0-/WhvaXU3fWFSstRKy/tmgD1Y0YiDM_r-jm/hevqIRdz5vuf9I1W/DJxdC9XOa81t-HJN/uRJskDXqTbO03bVe/_WxmYj3ORnJWS7ob/_anTwZt2efC4qiUP/Q36WLiCR4Rbx6_Mi/mkbEsdpODPuIKHUD/VZuw4Y_A1ugtgfEw/GdAOfhsjc7CT3CyZ/BMi6GA.jpg)
