Preseason success continues for Alabama football, as two more players were named to award watch lists. Alabama’s offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Cam Robinson were both named to the Outland Trophy watch list, according to Football Writers of America Association.
Robinson, a sophomore, is coming off a remarkable season in 2014.
The 6-foot-6, 326-pound Robinson became the first true freshman to start at left tackle for Alabama since 2006 (Andre Smith). He earned freshman All-American honors from Sporting News and Football Writers of America Association for his efforts last season.
Robinson allowed only three sacks in 862 snaps, and guided Alabama’s running backs to 206.6 rushing yards per game. He anchored an offensive line that blocked for 484.5 yards per game. Robinson needs no further motivation aside from a preseason All-American and All-Conference list released by college football writer Phil Steele.
He was left off Steele’s All-American list, and was placed as a fourth-team All-SEC selection.
Kelly, a fifth-year senior, will represent the Crimson Tide at SEC Media Days.
He enters his third season starting at center, after logging 14 games with 12 starts last season. Kelly missed just six assignments in 806 snaps, yielding a 99.1 percent success rate.
Kelly created run lanes for T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry, as both backs neared 1,000 yards in 2014. Alabama allowed 16 sacks in 2014, however, none came through Kelly.
Alabama players on award watch lists
- Derrick Henry– Maxwell Award
- Reggie Ragland, A’Shawn Robinson– Chuck Bednarik Award
- O.J. Howard– Mackey Award
- JK Scott– Ray Guy Award
- Ryan Kelly– Remington Trophy
- Ryan Kelly, Cam Robinson– Outland Trophy
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.
