TUSCALOOSA—While Reuben Foster received his due on Monday morning, offensive lineman Cam Robinson, defensive end Jonathan Allen and tight end O.J. Howard all got their finalist tag for awards hours later.
Robinson, a junior, was selected as one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy.
He’s been a starter throughout his career at left tackle, blocking for 27 100-yard rushers. The Monroe, La., native has aided 10 100-yard rushers this season, while guiding Jalen Hurts to 2,971 total yards and 30 touchdowns. Robinson joins Ohio State’s Pat Elflein and Washington State’s Cody O’Connell. The winner of the Outland Trophy will be named on Dec. 8 at the Home Depot College Football Award Show via ESPN in Atlanta.
Allen, a senior, was named one of three finalists for the Bednarik Award.
He’s among the team leaders in tackles (46), tackles for loss (9.5) and sacks (seven), while collecting a team-high 13 quarterback hurries. His 25 career sacks ties him with ex-Alabama standout Kindal Moorehead for second in school history. Allen captains a unit that’s allowed 11.4 points, 68.9 rush yards and 252.2 total yards through 11 games. He joins Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett and Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers. The winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award will be revealed on Dec. 8 at the Home Depot College Football Award Show in Atlanta.
Howard, a senior, is one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award.
He’s been consistent as a receiver, totaling 359 yards and two touchdowns on 30 catches. The 6-foot-6, 251-pound tight end has averaged 12 yards per catch, while grabbing 16 passes for 150 yards and a score through his last four games. Howard’s productivity as a blocker has been exceptional too, navigating Alabama’s backs to 2,777 yards in 11 games. Joining Howard as finalists are Jake Butt (Michigan) and Jordan Leggett (Clemson).
The winner of the John Mackey Award will be announced on Friday, Dec. 7, and aired live on Dec. 8 at the Home Depot College Football Award Show in Atlanta.
Function for awards
-Outland Trophy, nation’s top interior lineman
-Chuck Bednarik Award, college football’s Defensive Player of the Year
-John Mackey Award, nation’s best tight end
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.
