TUSCALOOSA—While Nick Saban is focused on getting players healthy for UT-Chattanooga and Auburn, a trio of Alabama standouts made up the 20 nominees for the Rotary Lombardi Award.
Defensive end Jonathan Allen, linebacker Reuben Foster and offensive tackle Cam Robinson have been integral components in the Crimson Tide’s undefeated season. Allen, a senior, is among the leaders in tackles (40), tackles for loss (7.5) and sacks (seven), while leading the squad in quarterback hurries with 13. He has two touchdowns this season, both coming on fumble returns against Southeastern Conference opponents.
Foster, a senior, is the Tide’s leading tackler with 70 stops.
As a feared instinctive linebacker, Foster has seven tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. He’s captained a bunch that’s held opponents to 12.2 points and 259.9 total yards a game.
Robinson, a junior, has blocked for 41.2 points, 255.2 rushing yards and 492.2 total yards a contest. He’s aided Jalen Hurts to 2,032 passing yards, 735 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, while setting the edge 22 scores on the ground. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound lineman is projected a top-five pick heading into the next year’s draft.
The Rotary Lombardi Award has presented to the nation’s top lineman since 1970, but in 2016, the award expanded to include all player positions who demonstrate outstanding performance and skill in offensive or defensive positions and best exemplify the discipline, virtue and wisdom that defined Vincent Lombardi’s exceptional brand of leadership. A winner for this honor will be announced on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.
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.
