The two biggest stars from the University of Alabama’s 2018 recruiting class continue to be recognized via national media. For Jaylen Waddle and Patrick Surtain II, the duo was named to a third All-Freshman Team on Monday.
After receiving honors from the Southeastern Conference and Associated Press, the Football Writers Association of America took notice of both players.
Waddle, a native of Houston, Texas, is second on the Crimson Tide in receiving yards (823) while standing third in receptions (43) and tied for third in touchdowns with seven. He has recorded three 100-yard games this season, including 113 yards with one touchdown on four catches versus Georgia in Alabama’s 35-28 win in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.
RELATED: Alabama’s Waddle, Surtain land on Associated Press All-Freshman Team
The 5-foot-10, 177-pounder has a knack for creating yards after the catch, as four of his seven scores come in excess of 50 yards. He has also been an exceptional return specialist for the Tide, averaging 16.1 yards per game with one touchdown.
Waddle’s touchdown reception of 94 yards against Louisiana earlier this season was the second longest scoring play in school history.
Surtain, a native of Plantation, Fla., was a five-star cornerback upon enrolling and has proven to be a productive talent.
Head coach Nick Saban has raved about him all year and despite a rough outing versus Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, he has been more positive than negative.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, Surtain has 36 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, one quarterback pressure, one forced fumble and one interception. He anticipates having a bounce back performance versus Clemson in the College Football Playoff title game.
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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.
