After it was snubbed for national honors in 2019, the University of Alabama football program returned with a vengeance this season and it is reaping the benefits.
With the exception of Freshman of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year in the Southeastern Conference, the Crimson Tide dominated the football awards for the SEC and had nine student-athletes named first-team All-SEC.
RELATED: Alabama football with an SEC-high nine players named first-team All-SEC for 2020 season
Shortly after the SEC unveiled its awards, the finalists for the National College Football Awards were released.
For the Tide, seven players were named for 12 national honors and nine people were recognized overall — including Nick Saban for Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year.
Alabama finalists for National College Football honors
-Patrick Surtain: Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe
-DeVonta Smith: Fred Biletnikoff, Maxwell
-Mac Jones: Maxwell, Davey O’Brien
-Alex Leatherwood: Outland Trophy
-Landon Dickerson: Rimington Trophy
-Najee Harris: Doak Walker, Maxwell
-Will Reichard: Lou Groza Award
-Steve Sarkisian: Broyles Award
-Nick Saban: Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year
The College Football Awards show via ESPN will be held virtually on Jan. 7, 2021 at 6 p.m. CT.
Prior to the event, Alabama will battle Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup (Rose Bowl) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Jan. 1, 2021.
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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.
