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UA’s Minkah Fitzpatrick named finalist for Jason Witten Man of the Year

Cedric Mason - Touchdown Alabama Magazine

As four schools – Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Oklahoma – prepare for the College Football Playoff and the nation itself looks ahead toward bowl season, one last marquee award has yet to be presented.

On Tuesday, three student-athletes were chosen as finalist for the first-ever Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award. 

Presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, the honor primarily focuses on a player’s leadership, both on and off the field. Jason Witten, who was one of the greatest tight ends in the National Football League and Dallas Cowboys’ all-time leading receiver, was someone that was highly-regarded as one of the league’s most prominent role models during 15 seasons in the pros. 

University of Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of three finalists, joining linebacker Shaquem Griffin of University of Central Florida and quarterback Mason Rudolph of Oklahoma State University.

All three individuals are premiere players for their respective institutions. 

Fitzpatrick totaled 52 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and one interception through 12 regular season games. The junior defensive back has already won both Jim Thorpe (nation’s top DB) and Chuck Bednarik (nation’s top defensive player) awards, while getting selected first-team All-American via Associated Press, Walter Camp and Football Writers Association.  

Should Sports Illustrated and American Football Coaches Association position him as a first-team All-American choice, Fitzpatrick would become a unanimous selection.  

He has another chance to take home a national championship, and in facing Clemson at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Jan. 1, 2018, he and the Crimson Tide want vengeance. 

The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award will be announced at a ceremony on Feb. 22, 2018 at The Star in Frisco, Texas.  

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.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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