Alan Ball (American football)

Alan Sheffield Ball (born March 29, 1985) is an American football cornerback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft and has also played for the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He played college football at Illinois.

Early years

Ball attended Saint Martin de Porres High School where he helped his team win the 2001 state championship in football. Also an standout track & field athlete, Ball received All-State honors after winning back-to-back 110-meter hurdles state titles as a junior and senior.

He was a four-year starter at cornerback for the University of Illinois. He had five starts as a freshman and 44 tackles. He doubled his starts (10) as a sophomore, finishing with 37 tackles and one pass defensed. As a junior he registered 7 starts and led the team with 55 tackles.

His best season came in his final year, when he received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors, after recording 62 tackles (3 for loss), 13 passes defensed, and one interception. He finished his college career with 199 tackles (8 for loss), 23 passes defensed, 2 interceptions and one forced fumble.