It really is never too early to start predicting who will take home some hardware at the end of the season. Earlier today a list of the preseason Maxwell Award candidates was released and out of the 81 players named, three were from Alabama’s offense. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and running back Najee Harris were all on the list.
The Maxwell Award is has been given out since 1937 and is awarded to that year’s top college football player. Last season, the award was won by Tagovailoa who finished the season shattered Alabama and the SEC’s record books with his passing. Tagovailoa was also the third Alabama player to take how the award as he joined running back Derrick Henry (2015) and quarterback AJ McCarron (2013).
But the defending Maxwell Award winner will have his fair share of competition, not only from the rest of the country but also from his teammates.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is recognized as the best at his position in college football with some NFL scouts having him be in contention to be the first overall pick in next years draft. He currently ranks fifth in career touchdowns at Alabama and is poised to put up another huge year.
Although, he didn’t start in 2018 that didn’t stop Najee Harris from making his way onto the list. It may come as a curious choice to some that Harris makes the list but college football junkies all know just how talented this player is. It’s also not a bad idea to include an Alabama running back in the conversation of awards. They have a pretty good track record in that department.
Despite it being roughly two months until any game action is played. It goes to show you how well regarded these players are amongst the country.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
