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As expected, Alabama cleaned up at tonight’s College Football Awards show. In order:
Davey O’Brien Award, best QB: Mac Jones
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All Mac did this season was direct the nation’s best offense while leading the nation in passer rating. He has completed 77% for over 4000 yards and 36 TD with only 4 INT.
Outland Trophy, best lineman: Alex Leatherwood
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Leatherwood was the anchor at left tackle of an offensive line that allowed Jones, Harris and Smith to shine. He had a great chance to go in the first round after his junior season, but still had unfinished business. It’s great to see his decision pay off.
Biletnikoff Award, best receiver: DeVonta Smith
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What more can be said about the Heisman winner? He returned for his senior season and proceeded to amass 105 catches for 1641 yards and 20 TDs, and another score on the ground. He is an outstanding blocker and leads by example with his work ethic. DeVonta also brought home the Walter Camp Award and Maxwell Award, both given to the nation’s best player.
Broyles Award, best assistant: Steve Sarkisian
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Sark is the brains behind the operation that produced all of these champions, and a fantastic story of redemption. He is very likely the best offensive playcaller in the nation and a master at developing QBs. Best of luck to him as he moves on to Austin.
Rimington Trophy, best center: Landon Dickerson
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Dickerson is not only a dominant center, but the heart and soul of the team. It’s a crying shame that he will never compete in a College Football Playoff, but he is still around and playing a key leadership role.
Doak Walker Award, best running back: Najee Harris
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Yet another Alabama player who made the decision to return for his senior season, Najee was a dominant force all season. He rushed 228 times for 1387 yards and 24 TDs, but some of his best highlights came in the passing game where he added 346 yards and three scores for good measure. He is Alabama’s all time leader in career touchdowns.
Frankly, the Tide should have won more as Patrick Surtain II and Will Reichard were robbed of the Thorpe and Lou Groza, respectively. That Nick Saban wasn’t considered for Coach of the Year is a travesty as well. It was his leadership that helped keep these young men focused during a year with so many distractions, and the success speaks for itself.
Surtain did make the Walter Camp All-America team along with Jones, Leatherwood, Dickerson, Harris, and Smith. Of those, all but Jones became unanimous All-Americans, the most in school history.
Every one of these men would tell you that the most important goal is still in front of them. May they hoist one last trophy before they are through.
Roll Tide.