Crimson Tide leads in selections for 12^th consecutive season

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Alabama Crimson Tide football team placed 14 players on the 2019 All-Southeastern Conference Coaches’ Team, the league office announced Tuesday.

The Crimson Tide led the way with 14 All-SEC selections, including six first-team honorees. This marks the 12^th-consecutive season Alabama has led the conference in All-SEC picks.

Juniors Jerry Jeudy (WR), Alex Leatherwood (OL) and Jedrick Wills Jr. (OL) were first-team selections on offense, while redshirt senior Anfernee Jennings (LB) and junior Xavier McKinney (DB) were tabbed for first-team honors on defense. Sophomore wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was a first-team selection on special teams.

Redshirt junior center Landon Dickerson was named to the second-team offense along with juniors Najee Harris (RB), DeVonta Smith (WR), Tua Tagovailoa (QB) and sophomore wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Seniors Raekwon Davis (DL), Trevon Diggs (DB) and redshirt junior linebacker Terrell Lewis were second-team choices on defense.

The 2019 SEC individual award winners will be announced Wednesday and the SEC All-Freshman Team will be released Thursday.

Crimson Tide lands a league-high 11 players

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Crimson Tide football team landed a league-high 11 players on the 2019 Associated Press All-SEC Team, including five first-teamers, the media outlet announced Monday.

Alabama’s first-team selections include senior defensive back Trevon Diggs, redshirt senior linebacker Anfernee Jennings, juniors Xavier McKinney (safety), DeVonta Smith (wide receiver) and Jedrick Wills Jr. (offensive tackle).

Redshirt junior offensive lineman Landon Dickerson, juniors Najee Harris (running back), Jerry Jeudy (wide receiver), Alex Leatherwood (offensive lineman), Tua Tagovailoa (quarterback) and sophomore wide receiver Jaylen Waddle were second-team picks on offense.

Jennings, McKinney, Smith and Tagovailoa named permanent captains for 2019 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Alabama football team held its annual awards banquet Sunday evening at the Birmingham Sheraton.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban addressed an audience that included members of the team, coaching staff, administration and support staff following the awards session in which he recapped the 2019 season and stated the goals for the upcoming matchup against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 2020.

The Crimson Tide named four captains on Sunday with Anfernee Jennings, Xavier McKinney, DeVonta Smith and Tua Tagovailoa chosen as the representatives for the 2019 team.

The complete list of award winners is as follows.

Unsung Hero Award
To the player who has made significant contributions to the success of the team and received the least recognition for it

Josh Jobe, Chris Owens, Kendall Randolph, Major Tennison, Matt Womack

Outstanding Senior Scholar
To the senior with the highest GPA
Giles Amos, Shyheim Carter

Commitment to Academic Excellence Award
To the player who has demonstrated the greatest commitment and achievement in his academic endeavors during the previous year
Miller Forristall, Mac Jones, Alex Leatherwood, Joshua McMillon, Eddie Smith, Jedrick Wills Jr.

Iron Man Award
To the player(s) who have shown the most dedication to the individual and team goals of the Crimson Tide’s year-round strength and conditioning program
DJ Dale, Christian Harris, Evan Neal, Byron Young

Most Inspiring Player
To the player who affects the whole team by his attitude as well as his performance (voted on by the players)
Tua Tagovailoa

Pat Trammel Award
To a senior player whose character and contributions to the Alabama Football Team most personify the All-American youth of today and has reflected qualities of Integrity, Character, Importance of Academics and Inspirational Leadership during their time at Alabama
Shyheim Carter, Jared Mayden

Outstanding Defensive Performer
To the player with the most tackles/points
Trevon Diggs, Anfernee Jennings, Terrell Lewis, Xavier McKinney

Up-Front Award
To the outstanding lineman from each unit
Deonte Brown, Landon Dickerson, Christian Barmore, Phidarian Mathis

Defensive Achievement Award
To the player who has played a critical role in the effectiveness of this unit
Shyheim Carter, Raekwon Davis, Shane Lee, Patrick Surtain II

Offensive Achievement Award
To the player who has played a critical role in the effectiveness of this unit
Miller Forristall, Najee Harris, Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith

President’s Award
To a player from each unit who has shown perseverance in making outstanding contributions to the team’s success
Mac Jones, Alex Leatherwood, Henry Ruggs III, Jedrick Wills Jr.

Jefferson County Distinguished Alumnus Award
A former player who has exemplified the principles, values, character and attitude that make a person successful either during a particular life experience or over a period of time
Dr. Gaylon McCollough

Special Teams Player of the Year Award
To the most valuable special teams player
Slade Bolden, Thomas Fletcher, Ale Kaho, Jaylen Waddle

Offensive Player of the Year Award
To the most valuable offensive player
Jerry Jeudy, Tua Tagovailoa, Jedrick Wills Jr.

Defensive Player of the Year Award
To the most valuable defensive player
Anfernee Jennings, Xavier McKinney

Most Valuable Player Award
To the overall most valuable player on the team (voted on by the players)
Tua Tagovailoa

Captain Awards
To the players elected by their teammates as permanent team captains (voted on by the players)
Anfernee Jennings, Xavier McKinney, DeVonta Smith, Tua Tagovailoa

Crimson Tide and Wolverines to meet for the fifth time in the history of the two storied programs

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Crimson Tide will face off with the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 1.

The Crimson Tide and Wolverines will meet for the fifth time in the history of the series that dates back to 1988. The series is tied up, 2-2, as Alabama came away with a 41-14 victory in the most-recent matchup between the two teams at the 2012 Cowboys Classic in Arlington, Texas.

Alabama is making its third Citrus Bowl appearance, holding a 2-0 record. The Tide defeated Ohio State, 24-17, in the 1995 Citrus Bowl. Alabama also appeared in the then-Capital One Bowl in Orlando capturing a 49-7 win over No. 7 Michigan State following the 2010 season.

Saban is 11-5 in postseason games at Alabama, earning wins over Oklahoma (2018 CFP Semifinal Game at the Orange Bowl), Georgia (2018 CFP National Championship Game), Clemson (2017 CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the 2016 CFP National Championship Game), Washington (2016 CFP Semifinal Game at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl), Michigan State (2015 CFP Semifinal Game at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic).

Prior to the CFP, the Tide defeated Notre Dame (2013 BCS National Championship Game at the Orange Bowl), LSU (2012 BCS National Championship Game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl), Michigan State (2011 Capital One Bowl), Texas (2010 BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl) and Colorado (2007 Independence Bowl).

The redshirt junior is among 14 student-athletes honored by the league for superior service efforts

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama redshirt junior offensive lineman Chris Owens has been named to the 2019 Southeastern Conference Football Community Service team, the league office announced Wednesday.

Owens has been an active member in the Tuscaloosa community, volunteering in nearly 20 different initiatives, with an emphasis on impacting the local youth. Since arriving on campus in 2016, Owens has visited several local schools like Tuscaloosa Magnet Elementary to promote the importance of reading while sharing some of his favorite books. The redshirt junior also spent the day helping to rebuild neighboring Lee County in tornado relief.

The SEC names a community service team for each of its 21 league-sponsored sports, highlighting athletes from each school who give back to their communities through superior service efforts.

Seven players made up eight total selections with three apiece on offense and defense to go with two on special teams

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama coaching staff named seven players of the week to fill eight slots following last Saturday’s Iron Bowl matchup at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. Deonte Brown, Najee Harris and Jaylen Waddle on offense; Christian Barmore, Raekwon Davis and Xavier McKinney on defense; and Slade Bolden, along with Waddle again, on special teams all earned the recognition for their play against the Tigers.

OFFENSE

Deonte Brown

• Put together one of his best starts of the season for the Crimson Tide
• The redshirt junior provided the blocks to help Alabama rack up 180 yards rushing and 515 yards of total offense

Najee Harris

• Matched his season- and career-high total for rushing yards with 146 on a career-best 27 carries while adding a touchdown
• Also recorded four catches for 26 yards
• With his effort against the Tigers, the junior eclipsed the 1,000-yard marker for the first time in his career, totaling 1,088 rushing yards so far this season

Jaylen Waddle

• Totaled a career-high three receiving touchdowns, part of the sophomore’s four catches total 98 yards
• Scored from 58, 12 and 28 yards out to help the Tide post the most points scored on Auburn’s defense this year

DEFENSE

Christian Barmore

• Helped contribute two tackles up front, including one for loss (-3 yards)
• The redshirt freshman continued his streak of successful games, one week removed from receiving defensive honors from the coaches for his play against Western Carolina

Raekwon Davis

• Tied for the team lead in tackles with eight stops
• Added one tackle for loss (-1 yard) to go with a quarterback hurry in the senior’s final regular-season game with the Crimson Tide

Xavier McKinney

• Forced a turnover once again, creating a Tiger fumble that was recovered by the Tide defense
• Tied Davis with eight total tackles with the junior also breaking up a pass

SPECIAL TEAMS

Slade Bolden

• Totaled two tackles against the Tigers – one on punt coverage and one on kickoff team
• Forced a fumble on his punt coverage tackle with the ball going out of bounds
• The redshirt freshman also added one rush for a three-yard gain and a UA first down

Jaylen Waddle

• Returned his first career kickoff for a score, a 98-yard return from the sophomore
• The kick return for six was part of his three returns on the day, totaling 132 yards overall
• Finished with four total touchdowns and a team-high 230 all-purpose yards thanks to his combined efforts in the return game and at wideout

Sophomore Jaylen Waddle recorded four touchdowns against the Tigers, including a 98-yard kickoff return for a score

AUBURN, Ala. – The No. 5 Alabama football team battled throughout a back-and-forth affair with No. 16 Auburn in Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday, coming up just short, 48-45, in Auburn, Ala. The Crimson Tide is now 10-2 overall and 6-2 in Southeastern Conference play, while the Tigers go to 9-3 and 5-3 in the SEC.

Sophomore wide receiver Jaylen Waddle combined for four touchdowns on the day, including a 98-yard kickoff return for a score, as well as 98-receiving yards and touchdowns of 58, 12 and 28 yards on just four catches. Waddle finished his day with 230 all-purpose yards.

The offense was led by redshirt sophomore Mac Jones. The quarterback, making his third start of the year, went 26-of-39 for 335 yards and four touchdowns to go with two interceptions. Alabama’s ground game was paced by Najee Harris. The junior led both teams with 146 rushing yards on 27 attempts and scored once while adding 26 receiving yards on four catches. Junior wide receiver Henry Ruggs III paced all receivers with 99 yards on six catches and added one touchdown.

Junior defensive back Xavier McKinney and senior defensive lineman Raekwon Davis led the Tide with eight tackles each, including seven solo stops apiece. McKinney also forced a fumble in the second quarter.

How It Happened

• After forcing an Auburn punt on the Tigers’ first possession, Alabama marched down the field to open the scoring with a season-long 43-yard field goal from redshirt sophomore Joseph Bulovas, making it 3-0 with 8:37 left in the first quarter
• The Tigers then scored on their third possession, going up 7-3 with 2:07 left in the first
• Alabama retook the lead after Harris reached the endzone from six yards out, capping a 75-yard drive, pushing the score to 10-7 with 10:16 left in the half
• Following a pick-six by Auburn, Waddle took the ensuing kickoff all the way back for a 98-yard touchdown to make it 17-17 with 5:22 left in the half
• McKinney then forced a fumble that was recovered by freshman linebacker Christian Harris at the Auburn 37-yard line. The Tide capitalized on the turnover with Jones hitting on two passes, one to junior wide receiver DeVonta Smith for 33 yards to the Auburn four-yard line before hitting Ruggs two plays later for the three-yard touchdown, making it 24-17 with 4:12 to go in the half
• After the Tigers scored another touchdown late in the half, Alabama returned the favor, starting the drive with a minute left on the clock and going 62 yards in two plays, finishing with Jones to Waddle for a 58-yard score to give UA a 31-24 lead with :33 seconds left
• Auburn scored a 52-yard field goal with one second left on the clock to make it 31-27 at the half
• After a second pick-six by the Tigers, Waddle answered with his third touchdown of the day, taking Jones’ pass 12 yards to the endzone and putting Alabama back on top, 38-37, with 4:57 left in the third quarter
• After an Auburn field goal helped the Tigers regain the lead, the Tide answered with another Jones to Waddle score, this one from 28 yards out, giving Alabama 45-40 lead with 13:44 left in the game
• Auburn scored another touchdown with a little over eight minutes left in the game and then made the two-point conversion, making it 48-45 in Auburn’s favor, the eventual final

Player of the Game

• Waddle scored four touchdowns on the night, starting with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown
• It was Alabama’s first kickoff return for a score since Josh Jacobs’ 77-yard return against Louisville in 2018
• Waddle added 98-receiving yards and three touchdowns on four catches, finishing the day with 230 yards of total offense

Key Stats

• Waddle, Smith and Ruggs combined for 277 yards on 15 catches, all totaling 80 or more receiving yards in the game
• Alabama outgained Auburn, 515-354, overall and 335-173 in the passing game
• The Crimson Tide also held the edge in time of possession, 35:52-24:08

Former Alabama players continue to excel on both sides of the football

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The 12^th week of the 2019 season in the National Football League wrapped up on Monday. Below is a look at some of the highlights from former Crimson Tide players currently in the NFL.

A pair of former Crimson Tide running backs posted big numbers once again. The Tide’s two Heisman winners, Derrick Henry and Mark Ingram, both provided sparks for their respective offenses this past week. Henry continued his success on the ground as the Titans faced off with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He rushed 19 times for 159 yards and added one catch for 16 yards. Henry’s performance was highlighted by a pair of rushing touchdowns from seven and 74 yards out as Tennessee dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 42-20. With the 100-plus yard performance, Henry moved himself into fourth place on the league’s rushing yards list with 991 total yards.

Ingram played a large role in Baltimore’s explosive offensive performance on Monday Night Football. The first-year Raven carried the ball 15 times for 111 yards and a touchdown. Ingram also added one score on his only reception on the day, a seven-yard completion, to help Baltimore pile on the points. His efforts helped the Ravens to a 42-6 route of the Los Angeles Rams.

The pass-catching duo of Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones helped contribute to the Atlanta Falcons offense this weekend. Ridley caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, while Jones hauled in five passes for 68 yards. Jones continues to be a consistent performer for the Falcons and currently ranks fourth in the league for receiving yards with 950 on the year.

On the other side of the ball, defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson had a strong day against the Washington Redskins. Robinson recorded four total tackles, including a sack, and added one pass breakup for the Detroit Lions. In the same game, four former Crimson Tide standouts provided solid performances for Washington’s defense.

Leading the group of Redskins defenders was Landon Collins, with the safety collecting 10 tackles, including two for loss. Linebackers Shaun Dion Hamilton and Ryan Anderson contributed in a big way as well with the linebackers each tallying six total tackles and a sack. Rounding out the group was defensive lineman Jonathan Allen who excelled up front. Allen posted five tackles with half a sack and forced a fumble. The effort on all three levels by the former Tide defenders helped the Redskins limit Detroit’s offense in a 19-16 win for Washington.

Alabama prepares for the 84th edition of the Iron Bowl

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Crimson Tide continued preparations for Saturday’s Iron Bowl matchup with the Auburn Tigers, working in full pads for two hours at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields on Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting between the Crimson Tide and the Tigers will be the 84th edition of the Iron Bowl. The contest will air at 2:39 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. CBS will broadcast the rivalry with Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson and Jamie Erdahl on the call.

Six players made up seven total selections with three apiece on offense and defense to go with one on special teams

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama coaching staff selected six players of the week to fill seven slots following the Crimson Tide’s 66-3 win over Western Carolina on Saturday to close out the 2019 home schedule at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle on offense; Christian Barmore, Christian Harris and Xavier McKinney on defense; and Waddle again, this time on special teams, all earned the recognition for their play against the Catamounts.

OFFENSE

Mac Jones

• Completed 10-of-12 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns in the redshirt sophomore’s second career start
• Connected on his final eight passes that consisted of three scores and four first downs
• Averaged 27.5 yards per completion, connecting on explosive passes of 57, 44, 17, 37, 54 and 22 yards

DeVonta Smith

• The junior led all Crimson Tide wideouts with four catches and two touchdowns on the day
• Accumulated 94 total yards with a long reception of 57 yards, which he took into the end zone for Alabama’s first touchdown of the day

Jaylen Waddle

• Finished as the team leader in receiving yards as the sophomore accumulated 101 on just three catches
• Recorded a touchdown on his long reception of the day, a 54-yard catch and run for UA’s final score of the first half

DEFENSE

Christian Barmore

• Put together his most impressive performance to date, finishing with six total tackles to rank second on the UA defense
• Totaled one tackle for loss (-6 yards) and half a sack (-4 yards) to go with the redshirt freshman’s one quarterback hurry, part of the Tide’s five against WCU

Christian Harris

• Contributed five tackles and added one quarterback pressure
• The freshman’s performance up front helped limit the Catamounts to only 67 yards rushing and 179 yards of total offense

Xavier McKinney

• Forced three turnovers, including a forced fumble to go with his career-high two interceptions
• The junior returned one of the picks for an 81-yard touchdown, the Tide’s second pick-six of the season
• Added three tackles, including one for loss (-18 yards)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jaylen Waddle

• Contributed on kickoff return to go with his punt return duties, returning his one kick for a gain of 20 yards
• Also returned a pair of punts for 67 yards with a long of 49, with the sophomore stepping out of bounds just short of his second return for a score this season