He might not play this week versus Mercer at Bryant-Denny Stadium, but his efforts throughout the season continue to land him recognition for national awards.
Alabama junior safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was one of five finalists chosen for the Bronko Nagurski Award on Wednesday, per Football Writers Association of America and Charlotte Touchdown Club.
The Nagurski honor, which is presented to college football’s top defensive player, is the fifth award in which Fitzpatrick has been selected to – joining Lott IMPACT Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Jim Thorpe Award and the inaugural Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year.
A product of Old Bridge, N.J., Fitzpatrick captains the 10-0 and top-seeded Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff rankings. Behind him, Alabama’s defense ranks first nationally in scoring defense (11.2 ppg) eighth in passing yards allowed (167.0 ypg) and fifth in pass efficiency defense (98.72 rating allowed).
He is fifth on the team in total tackles (44), while totaling 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and one interception.
Throughout his career, he’s accounted for nine picks – including four returned for touchdowns, which stands as a school record.
Fitzpatrick joins linebacker Roquan Smith of Georgia as the other Southeastern Conference player named a finalist for the Nagurski Award. Along with both guys, Bradley Chubb of North Carolina State, Josey Jewell of Iowa and Ed Oliver of Houston round out the five finalists.
Despite having 11 finalists for this honor, former standout Jonathan Allen was the lone player to win the trophy for Alabama.
His 10.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and two fumble returns for touchdowns guided him to the award in 2016. This year’s winner of the Nagurski Trophy will be announced on Monday, Dec. 4 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center.
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.
