With the Southeastern Conference hosting its media days next week, the region announced all 42 student-athletes that will be in attendance at the Hyatt Regency-Winfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala.
Defensive end Jonathan Allen, tight end O.J. Howard and safety Eddie Jackson are the trio of seniors scheduled to accompany Alabama coach Nick Saban on a trip to Birmingham.
Allen registered 36 tackles last season, while leading the group in tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (12) in 15 games. He’s been garnered as a preseason first team All-American and All-SEC player.
Howard was tied for third in receptions (38) and finished third in receiving yards (602) during the 2015 season. The 6-foot-6, 242-pound target recorded two touchdown receptions against top-ranked Clemson in the College Football Playoff national title game, to secure a 45-40 victory.
Jackson became a ball-hawking defender last year, after his transition from cornerback to safety in the summer. He finished fifth on the team in tackles (46), while being credited with three tackles for loss, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, six interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.
Both Allen and Jackson are on the Chuck Bednarik preseason award watch list, while Howard anchors both the Maxwell and John Mackey award lists.
SEC Media Days will run from Monday, July 11—Thursday, July 14. Saban and the Crimson Tide are scheduled to speak on Wednesday, July 13, joining Arkansas, Kentucky and Missouri.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
