Two of the biggest names in Alabama football history are about to enter the greatest honor for a collegiate player.
According to the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Shaun Alexander and Sylvester Croom were listed on the 2022 ballot to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Both players were legendary pillars at their respective positions, and they set the stage for others to have success. Alexander was a running back for the Crimson Tide from 1995-99.
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He recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 1998 and 1999, including a career-high 1,383 and 24 total touchdowns in his senior year. Alexander paced the Tide to a Southeastern Conference title in 1999 and a berth in the 2000 FedEx Orange Bowl versus Michigan. He was a first-team All-SEC selection, first-team All-American selection, and SEC Player of the Year.
His 3,565 career rushing yards and 41 touchdowns were school records when he left.
Croom was a linebacker, tight end, and center at Alabama from 1972-74.
He would settle in at center in 1974 under Paul “Bear” Bryant and become a senior captain, first-team All-American, and the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner. Croom anchored the Crimson Tide’s offensive front to three SEC titles and one national championship in 1973. As an assistant coach, Croom helped Alabama win two national titles (1978, 1979) and three SEC titles from 1977-79. He would coach some of the best players on defense, including Cornelius Bennett and Derrick Thomas.
Alabama fans are proud of Alexander and Croom.
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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.
