The preseason watch lists for college football continue to increase in having student-athletes from the University of Alabama named to them.
As we reached the conclusion of Southeastern Conference Media Days on Thursday, a trio of Crimson Tide wide receivers were named to the Fred Biletnikoff Award watch list for the upcoming season – including Jerry Jeudy, who is looking to maintain the honor from 2018.
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Jeudy, a preseason candidate for the Maxwell Award, led Alabama in receptions (68), receiving yards (1,315) and touchdowns (14) as a sophomore in 15 games. Along with winning the Biletnikoff Award, the native Floridian was also named a consensus All-American.
With the training he has done all summer, he is prepared for an even better outcome.
One of the two receivers that joined him in the Tide’s 2017 signing class – Henry Ruggs III– has also been selected as a preseason candidate.
Ruggs, a native of Montgomery, Ala., posted 741 yards receiving with 11 scores on 46 catches last year.
Waddle, the other nominee, hails from Houston, Texas.
RELATED: Jerry Jeudy addresses top wide receiver in college football debate
He recorded 848 yards receiving with seven scores on 45 catches in 2018.
The SEC’s Freshman of the Year averaged 18.84 yards a catch (second on the team) and 14.56 yards per punt return. Waddle did bring one punt back for a touchdown last season versus Louisiana inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
According to Nick Saban, the sophomore may add kickoff returner to his role.
Tagovailoa stated on Wednesday at the Hyatt-Regency/Wynfrey Hotel that he does not have a favorite receiver.
He said all the guys are unselfish players and he enjoys all of them.
Prior to Jeudy, former Tide star Amari Cooper won the Biletnikoff Trophy in 2014 on the heels of a record-setting season with 124 catches for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He would go on to be the No. 4 overall pick of the Oakland Raiders in the 2015 NFL Draft. Currently, the former All-American suits up for the Dallas Cowboys.
Jeudy will look to keep the crown longer, but he has some stiff competition.
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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.
