Alabama Football Players on National Watch Lists

Nine Crimson Tide Team Members are Regarded Among the Best in 2009

Oct 9, 2009

Four offensive and four defensive crimson tide college football players, along with one special team player have received early accolades for their gridiron performances.

Alabama football’s overwhelming offense and stingy defense in 2009 has helped nine players gain early praise for their gridiron achievements. Of these nine, five were named Pre-Season All Americans. The Crimson Tide, currently 6 – 0 and 3 – 0 SEC, is under the guidance of head coach Nick Saban and are ranked 3rd in national polls.

Alabama football has made its name well known so far this year with its balanced offense attack. The Crimson Tide has averaged 223.5 yards rushing (11th nationally) and 221.2 yards passing (60th nationally). Their offensive attack has resulted in an average of 37 points a game (12th nationally).

On the defensive side of the ball, Alabama football has is currently ranked 2nd nationally, only giving up an average of 218 yards per game. This dominating defense has only allowed an average 63.2 rushing yards per game (7th nationally), with only Kentucky rushing for more than 64 yards. The stifling Crimson Tide defense has also forced 13 turnovers (5th nationally) in its first six games.

Alabama Crimson Tide Football: Offensive Players Earning Early Accolades

Gregg McElroy (Junior Quarterback) was recently added to the Maxwell Award watch list. This is award is presented to the best college football player. McElroy has completed 93 of 153 passes (60.8 percent) for a total of 1,233 yards.

McElroy has an efficiency rating of 146.58 (26th nationally). His career high for the year was 291 yards versus Arkansas on October 26, 2009. He has nine touchdowns and one interception in the first six games of 2009.

Mark Ingram (Sophomore Running Back) was also recently added to the Maxwell Award watch list. Ingram is also on the watch list for the Doak Walker Award for the best running back. He was also named as a Pre-Season All-American.

Through six games Ingram is the Crimson Tide’s leading rusher with 659 yards in 101 attempts, which averages to 6.5 yards per carry and 109.8 yards per game. He has caught 17 passes for 163 yards. He ranks 1st in the SEC with 10 touchdowns, seven rushing and 3 receiving, in 2009.

Mike Johnson (Senior Offensive Lineman) is on the watch list for the Lombardi Trophy given to the best lineman or linebacker. He is also on the watch list for Outland Trophy given to the best interior lineman. He was also named as a Pre-Season All-American.

Julio Jones (Sophomore Wide Receiver) is on the watch list for the Maxwell Trophy and the Biletnikoff Award given to the best receiver. He was also named a Pre-Season All-American. Jones has one touchdown and 13 receptions for 175 yards in 2009.

University of Alabama Football: Defensive Players Earning Accolades

Rolando McClain (Junior Linebacker) is on the watch list for Lombardi Trophy, along with the Dick Butkus Award given to the best linebacker. He is also on the watch list for Chuck Bednarik Award, Lott Trophy, and the Bronko Nagurski Award given to the best college defensive player.

McClain was named the Bronko Nagurski Award National Defensive Player of the Week, following his 12-tackle performance in the Tide’s 38-20 win over Kentucky on October 3rd in Lexington, KY. He was also named a Pre-Season All-American.

Javier Arenas (Senior Corner Back/Kick Return Specialist) was recently added to the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award given to best college defensive player. He is also on the watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Jim Thorpe Award given to best defensive back. He was also named a Pre-Season All-American. Arenas is the Crimson Tide’s third-leading tackler with 26 stops this season.

Terrence Cody (Senior Nose Tackle) is on the watch lists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Trophy, Lott Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Award, and Outland Trophy. He was also named a Pre-Season All-American.

Dont’a Hightower (Sophomore Line Backer) is on the watch list for the Dick Butkus Award and Lombardi Trophy. Hightower suffered a season ending injury in the Arkansas game on September 26th.

Tide Football: Special Team Player Earning Early Praise

Leigh Tiffin (Senior Place Kicker) is on the watch list for the Lou Groza Award given to the top college kicker. Tiffin has successfully completed 14 field goals and 24 point after touchdowns. His longest field goal this season was 49 yards in the Virginia Tech game on September 5th in Atlanta, GA. He was named Lou Groza player of the week for five field goals in the Mississippi game on October 10th in Oxford, MS.

The copyright of the article Alabama Football Players on National Watch Lists in College Football is owned by David R. Wetzel. Permission to republish Alabama Football Players on National Watch Lists in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.