This year’s ESPY Awards will be on July 10, and fans of Alabama football have a lot to cheer about.
According to ESPN, the Crimson Tide has been nominated in three different categories.
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DeVonta Smith represents Alabama for Best Male Athlete in College Sports. He recorded 1,856 yards receiving with 23 touchdowns on 117 catches in 2020. Smith became the first receiver in school history to win the Heisman Trophy.
The Louisiana native was First-Team Unanimous All-American selection and a Fred Biletnikoff Award winner. Smith was selected at No. 10 overall in the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also nominated for Best Record-Breaking Performance.
Smith was remarkable in the College Football Playoff Nationa Championship versus Ohio State.
He set a CFP title game record for catches (12) and touchdowns (three) while totaling 215 yards in the first half. His performance allowed Alabama to earn a 52-24 victory over the Buckeyes. The University of Alabama was nominated for Best Team in football.
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood (70) celebrates with the CFP National Championship trophy after beating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide turned in a perfect season (13-0) to secure a national championship. It was Saban’s first undefeated year since 2009 and his sixth national title (seventh overall) at Alabama.
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Derrick Henry, an Alabama alumnus, was nominated for Best NFL Player.
Jan 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs past Houston Texans safety A.J. Moore (33) during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
He defended his crown as the league’s rushing champion by totaling 2,027 yards in 2020. Henry became the eighth running back in NFL history to record 2,000 yards rushing in a single season.
He led the league in carries (378), yards, and touchdowns (17).
Henry posted ten 100-yard performances, including three 200-yard games. He feasted on the Houston Texans as two of his three 200-yard outings came against the Texans. Henry was named first-team All-Pro and was the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year.
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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.
