The University of Alabama has numerous players named to preseason award watch lists and two during Wednesday’s session of SEC Media, two more highly-profiled names were recognized.
Crimson Tide punter JK Scott and tight end O.J. Howard were two of 88 players named to the 2016 Wuerffel Trophy watch list, according to the All Sports Association in Fort Walton, Fla.
The Wuerffel Trophy, named after ex-Florida quarterback and 1996 Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel, is awarded to the college football player that best displays excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community.
Scott, a two-year starter, has averaged 46.1 yards per punt while dropping 56 of his 125 attempts inside an opponents’ 20-yard line. He finished 2014 as a first team All-American and Freshman All-American selection, and has been named to multiple preseason All-American teams for 2016.
Howard, a three-year player, finished strong in 2015 with 38 catches for 602 yards and two touchdowns. He exploded for huge numbers in the College Football Playoff, totaling eight receptions for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Like Scott, Howard has been named to multiple preseason All-American teams and is projected to be selected in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft.
Both Scott and Howard have SEC Academic Honor Roll students during their tenure and Howard in particular, has earned his undergraduate degree and is working on a master’s.
Howard has been nominated to the 2016 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which is prestigious off-field honor for student-athletes that take part in their communities.
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.
