Reload. It’s Alabama theme each season under head coach Nick Saban since 2008.
The Crimson Tide returns a talented roster in 2015, despite losing quality players to the National Football League. Aaron Suttles of Tuscaloosa News and Jon Cooper of Saturday Down South, both have Alabama’s Reggie Ragland, A’Shawn Robinson and Derrick Henry named to award watch list this week.
A'Shawn Robinson and Reggie Ragland named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list. Derrick Henry to the Maxwell Award watch list.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) July 7, 2015
Ragland, who will represent Alabama at SEC Media Days, was named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list. The award is presented the best college defensive player of the year.
Ragland was exceptional for the Crimson Tide last season, totaling 95 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, a quarterback hurry and an interception in 14 games. He’s been moved to inside linebacker for this season.
Robinson is a preseason first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC, according to college football writer Phil Steele. He accounted for 49 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a blocked kick in 2014.
Robinson, like Ragland, was named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list.
Henry witnessed two running backs come off the board in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Todd Gurley (Georgia) and Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin).
A solid performance this fall gives him an opportunity to pursue an NFL career. Henry recorded 990 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns on 5.8 yards per carry in 2014.
He has been named to the Maxwell Award watch list.
Stephen M. Smith is a staff writer and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
