National media will focus on Jaylen Waddle this season.
The sophomore is a candidate on two preseason award lists – including the latest one coming on Tuesday.
As a first-team preseason All-SEC selection, Waddle has been named to both Fred Biletnikoff and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose award watch lists. A native of Houston, Texas, the four-star from the 2018 recruiting class is coming off a massive freshman year.
Congrats to this year’s Watchlist! @SPORTyler @VisitTyler pic.twitter.com/DrQEcEBOMs
— Earl Campbell Award (@CampbellAward) August 13, 2019
He led all freshmen wide receivers in the Southeastern Conference in receptions per game (3.1) and yards per game (56.5), while 30 of his 45 catches went for either first downs or touchdowns through 15 games.
Waddle finished second on the team in receiving yards (848), second in yards per catch average (18.84) and tied for third in touchdown catches (seven).
He posted two 100-yard performances, with one coming against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
His 51-yard score from Tua Tagovailoa in the second half cut the Bulldogs’ lead to 28-21, and would ultimately assist Alabama to a 35-28 win.
Named after College and Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, Earl Campbell, the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award is given annually to the top offensive player in Division I college football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that defined Campbell.
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The traits include integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity.
Since the origination of the honor in 2012 at Tyler, Texas, the award is limited to players who were born in the state of Texas, attended a Texas high school, or attended a Texas junior college or university.
Waddle could be the first Tide player to win the honor.
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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.
