Alabama Football’s Henry, Ragland and Robinson Named Finalists for National Awards
The Alabama football trio of running back Derrick Henry, linebacker Reggie Ragland, and defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson were selected as finalists for three separate national awards, it was announced on Tuesday evening. Henry is a finalist for the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards, Ragland for the Bednarik Award and Robinson for the Outland Trophy.
Henry was one of three finalists for the Maxwell Award, presented by the Maxwell Football Club to the College Player of the Year. The junior tailback was also selected as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, given by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum to the nation’s top running back. Henry has taken advantage of his starting role this season, collecting 21 touchdowns and 1,526 yards on 249 carries for a 6.1 yards per carry average that ranks second among SEC backs. Nationally, Henry leads all backs in rushing touchdowns and ranks sixth in rushing yards. He has recorded at least one rushing touchdown in his last 16 games, the longest active streak in the nation and the longest by an SEC player in the past 20 years. Henry been at his best against the toughest competition, amassing an FBS-leading 1,072 yards and 12 touchdowns in the Crimson Tide’s six games against ranked opponents.
Ragland earned his fourth finalist nod, being named a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award. He has already been selected as a finalist for the Butkus, Nagurski and Senior Class Awards. The Bednarik is presented annually to the College Football Defensive Player of the Year by the Maxwell Football Club. Ragland has captained a Crimson Tide defense that ranks second nationally in rushing defense (77.8 ypg) and sits third in both total defense (265 ypg) and scoring defense (14.5 ppg). The senior has a team-leading 85 tackles, including 6.5 for a loss (-23 yards) and 2.5 sacks (-10 yards). He has also recorded five pass breakups, four quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. Ragland has led the team in tackles in seven of Alabama’s 11 games this season and has helped the Crimson Tide defensive unit limit its last eight opponents to only 11.1 points per game following the early loss to Ole Miss.
Robinson was named a finalist for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s best interior lineman – on offense or defense – by the Football Writers of America. A disruptive force in the middle of an Alabama defensive line, Robinson leads a unit that has been one the best in the nation. He has a career-high 36 tackles this season, including seven tackles for a loss (-23 yards) and three sacks (-17 yards). In addition, Robinson has a team-high eight quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, a fumble recovery and one blocked point after touchdown try. He is the only defensive lineman to be selected as a finalist.
Winners for all four awards will be revealed on ESPN during The Home Depot 25th Anniversary College Football Awards airing live from the College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. (CT).