Nick Saban named to Bryant Award watch list; Jaylen Waddle and Patrick Surtain II earn mid-season freshman All-America honors

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama football team held it second full-pad practice of the week today, working for two hours at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields on Wednesday afternoon. The session was the third of the week as the team continues game-planning for Saturday’s road contest with Tennessee.

 

CBS will air this weekend’s meeting with the Volunteers from Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 20, with Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson and Jamie Erdahl on the call.

 

Alabama head coach Nick Saban has been named to the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Watch List. The award, which honors the top head coach in college football, has been presented annually since 1987. Gene Stallings was Alabama’s first recipient of the award in 1992. Saban earned the honor in 2003 at LSU.

 

Crimson Tide wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and defensive back Patrick Surtain II have been named mid-season freshmen All-Americans by the 247Sports and ESPN.com.

 

Waddle, who was chosen as a receiver by 247 and a returner by ESPN.com, ranks No. 3 nationally in punt return average at 18.2 yards per return and has taken one punt back for a touchdown. Surtain II, who moved into a starting role at cornerback for the Tide earlier this month, has 15 tackles, one interception, four pass breakups and a forced fumble through seven games in his debut campaign.