Aside from Fred Biletnikoff, Ray Gay and Lou Groza awards, there has at least been one University of Alabama player named to a preseason watch list for the coming season.
With the Walter Camp honor being the final one before fall camp arrives, two Crimson Tide standouts appeared on the list on Friday. The Walter Camp Football Foundation announced running back Damien Harris and defensive end Raekwon Davis among the 50 candidates for the award.
Harris, a senior, looks to create history in being the first Tide back to record three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He finished 2017 with 1,000 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on an average of 7.41 yards per carry. Harris has accounted for seven career 100-yard performances – including three as a junior against Vanderbilt, Arkansas and Tennessee. While he could have chosen to declare for the NFL Draft, the Kentucky native chose to return to earn his degree.
Davis, a junior, returns as one of Alabama’s leaders on defense.
He produced a breakout sophomore campaign with 69 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in 2017, assisting the program to a national championship. The 6-foot-7, 316-pounder has quickness to pair with his power and currently projects as a first-round value on multiple draft boards for next spring. After graduating six defensive backs to the professional level, head coach Nick Saban is counting on the disruptive abilities of Davis and others to help the group gel.
Named after former college football player and coach, Walter Camp, the Walter Camp award is presented annually to the player of the year in college football. For his outstanding efforts in 2015, which included a 2,000-yard rushing season, former Tide standout Derrick Henry was the latest winner of the honor.
He carried the team to a College Football Playoff national title that year on producing 2,219 yards with 28 touchdowns and would also win the Heisman Trophy.
Both Harris and Davis enter this season with big expectations.
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.
