Shortly after linebackers Rashaan Evans and Shaun Dion Hamilton were two of 15 semifinalists named for the Dick Butkus Award, Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick were selected as semifinalists for Maxwell Football Club honors on Monday.
Per the organization, Hurts was named to the Maxwell Award and Fitzpatrick was chosen for Chuck Bednarik honor – making it his second semifinalist list to pair with Jim Thorpe.
The Maxwell Award, which goes to College Football’s Player of the Year, is judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, NCAA head coaches and members of the Maxwell Football Club.
Hurts, a sophomore, has completed 62.9 percent of his throws for 1,223 passing yards with nine touchdowns to one interception this season.
As the Southeastern Conference’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year, the native Texan has posted a 21-1 record since becoming the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback in week two of last season versus Western Kentucky.
He has also been credited with 572 yards rushing and six scores on 84 carries through eight matchups.
The Chuck Bednarik Award, despite it also coming via Maxwell Football Club, is presented annually to the nation’s best defensive player.
Fitzpatrick, a junior, stands third for Alabama in total tackles (37) while having five tackles for loss, one sack, four pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and an interception. He amassed nine career picks – including four pick-sixes, which holds as a Crimson Tide school record.
Former Tide players Derrick Henry (2015) and AJ McCarron (2013) were the latest to win the Maxwell Award, and Jonathan Allen (2016) was the program’s recent Bednarik Award winner.
Three finalists for both honors will announced on Nov. 20.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
