Bama Places 3 on Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watchlist

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama had three players named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Watchlist on Wednesday morning: running back EJ Crowell, safety Jireh Edwards, and quarterback Keelon Russell. 37 total players were named to the watchlist, presented to college football's freshman player of the year.

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Jireh Edwards, Safety

Edwards, a former five-star recruit from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is a versatile piece that defensive coordinator Kane Wommack added to his secondary. He was rated as the top safety according to ESPN and was named a MaxPreps junior All-American after posting 92 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 6 pass breakups, and 3 forced fumbles for Saint Frances Academy.

EJ Crowell, Running Back

Crowell was a unanimous five-star from Jackson, Alabama, in the Tide's 2026 recruiting class after he reclassified from the 2027 class. He was the second-rated running back in the class, accumulating 2,632 yards and 35 touchdowns in 14 games, leading Jackson to an AHSAA State Championship before enrolling at Alabama.

Keelon Russell, Quarterback

Russell was named Alabama's starting QB this past weekend, beating out senior Austin Mack. Russell appeared in just two games for the Crimson Tide last season, completing 11-of-15 passes for 143 yards and two scores, adding 17 yards rushing on the ground. Russell was a unanimous five-star prospect in the Tide's 2025 recruiting class and was selected as the Texas and national Gatorade Player of the Year, winning the Maxwell High School Player of the Year award during his senior season at Duncalville High School in Texas.

Alabama has produced two winners since the award's inception in 2018:

Will Anderson Jr. - 2020
Caleb Downs - 2023

14 semifinalists will be announced on Nov. 14 before being narrowed down to three finalists on Dec. 2. The 2026 winner of the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award will be announced on Dec. 28.

Alabama will return to the practice field on Wednesday, August 26, for the 17th practice of fall camp 2026. Alabama is scheduled to open the 2026 season at home against East Carolina on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.