Leadership will be Alabama’s theme this year at SEC Media Days, as the program sends three seniors to the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala. According to Aaron Suttles of Tuscaloosa News, Reggie Ragland, Ryan Kelly and Kenyan Drake will join Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban.
Alabama brings Reggie Ragland, Ryan Kelly and Kenyan Drake to SEC Media Days. All seniors.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) July 8, 2015
Ragland, who has moved from outside to inside linebacker, will be recognized for his work off the field next week. SEC Media Days will feature a new wrinkle, entitled “Beyond The Field: Stories of the SEC.” He performed well last season, accounting for 95 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks three pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, a quarterback hurry and an interception. Ragland has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list.
Kelly, a fifth-year senior, enters his third season starting at center.
He anchored an offensive line in 2014 that guided Alabama’s running backs to 206.6 rushing yards per game with 35 scores. The Crimson Tide finished third in the Southeastern Conference, averaging 484.5 yards per game. Kelly was exceptional at pass protection in 2014, as Alabama allowed 16 sacks. He has been named to the Remington Trophy watch list.
Drake, 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, will enter the 2015 season with a lot to prove. He led the team in touchdowns with six, prior to suffering a gruesome leg injury against Ole Miss last season.
Fully healthy, Drake looks to have a huge impact in Lane Kiffin’s offense this fall.
He has exceptional top-end speed and solid hands. Kiffin’s goal will be to create situations on the field, in which he can get Drake the ball in space. He’s totaled 1,087 rushing yards, 294 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in 28 career games.
Stephen M. Smith is a staff writer and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
