Jalston Fowler: Alabama’s Unsung Hero On The Field

We hear, see, and read lots of names during the games, on the recaps, and in post game breakdowns. You see all of the stats put up by the offense and defense and even see some mentions for guys in the trenches. One name we don’t hear much: Jalston Fowler.

It’s not for bad reasons that we don’t hear his name. He just doesn’t put up a lot of numbers on offense, but that could change under new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin’s offense. However, Fowler is out there and doing what is asked of him any time his name is called. And if you ask him about it in interviews after the game, chances are he will have a big smile on his face when he gives you the answer to your question.

Some of the fans may forget that he is out there, but I can assure you the coaching staff remembers. He has been named as one of the coaching staff’s players of the week twice this season.

“You might say, ‘Well, Jalston Fowler, he didn’t carry the ball’. He did a great job of blocking. He did a really good job on special teams, too”.-Coach Nick Saban

When Coach Saban named the players of the week after the West Virginia game, he added this after naming Fowler: “You might say, ‘Well, Jalston Fowler, he didn’t carry the ball’. He did a great job of blocking. He did a really good job on special teams, too”.

Not only does Fowler play on special teams, he has also played at the running back position, H-back, and tight end. While Fowler has only had one touchdown for three yards this season, he has put up 669 yards of rushing with five touchdowns during his career in Tuscaloosa as well as catching six through the air. He missed much of the 2012 season with a knee injury.

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Generated 9/8/2014.

Those stats don’t even take in to account the numerous blocks he has made to clear the way for big yard plays or even touchdowns. By all means, Fowler is a team player. He doesn’t have to have the glory for getting in the end zone but you can bet he has the guts to help someone else get there.

During the players’ interviews on Monday after the West Virginia game, Fowler was asked how it felt to get the first game out of the way. “It feels great. I’m just happy to be out there, playing for my teammates”. The very next question was one about something he remembered from that game. “When I put number 35 on his back”, he said with a grin. “It was just a lot of fun, going out there to block for those guys.”

I know I’ll be here looking for Fowler, no matter if it’s doing something with the ball in his hands or blocking for someone else. And I definitely will also be looking for more plays like these.

Credit to USA Today

Credit to Bleacher Report