The unofficial kickoff to the college football season starts next week, as the slate for Southeastern Conference media days in Atlanta is ready. According to a press release from the league on Wednesday, the University of Alabama selected its three student-athletes that will accompany head coach Nick Saban on Wednesday inside the Omni Hotel.
Damien Harris, senior running back, is coming off two straight 1,000-yard seasons and anticipates the possibility of having a third one. He totaled 11 rushing touchdowns in 2017, while averaging 7.41 yards per carry. Instead of pursuing the National Football League Draft, the Kentucky native decided to return for his senior year to provide the Tide with leadership.
Ross Pierschbacer, senior offensive lineman, is entering his fourth consecutive season as a valued starter. After spending three years at left guard (42 games), he takes on the role of replacing Bradley Bozeman at center in the fall. Pierschbacher has blocked for 28 100-yard rushing performances in his career and cleared the way for ex-Tide star Derrick Henry to have 2,219 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns – en route to winning the Heisman Trophy in 2015.
Anfernee Jennings, junior linebacker, expects to have a monster season after what he accomplished in the Sugar Bowl versus Clemson. Despite sustaining an injury early on in 2017, he managed to record five tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and forced an interception in helping Alabama secure a 24-7 win over the Tigers. Although he enrolled as a three-star prospect, Jennings has grown into being a marquee commodity along the defensive front.
Saban is known for bringing a veteran group to this event and the trend continues, especially with how important the three guys listed mean to the success of the team. Expect a few questions to be thrown at him about quarterbacks, however, Saban will be prepared to silence the noise.
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 @CoachingMSmith.
