Alabama Football: Tide players dominate semifinal awards lists

Alabama football has plenty of stars on awards lists.

We all expected Alabama football to shine this season, but they have become the best team in college football. That is thanks to many things, but there are plenty of stars on the roster. That has been proven by the list of semifinalists for postseason awards.

This list begins with the Davey O’Brien award. Mac Jones is clearly on this list, and he has what it takes to win it. The list includes players like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence, but Jones is having an unprecedented season. He has shown leadership and poise as Alabama’s starting quarterback. Lawrence and Trask are likely frontrunners, but Jones is definitely in the mix.

Najee Harris is easily the frontrunner for the Doak Walker Award for the best running back in college football. Harris leads all of college football in rushing touchdowns, and he has proven to be a complete back.

The one trophy that feels like a lock is DeVonta Smith for the Bednarik. There is no doubt that he is the best receiver in college football. He deserves consideration for the Heisman, but he should at least win some hardware this offseason.

Patrick Surtain is in contention for the Jim Thorpe Award. The other big name on this list is Shaun Wade from Ohio State, but it could truly go to anyone. Malachi Moore feels like a snub as he leads Alabama football in interceptions as a true freshman.

A milestone for the Tide is having Will Reichard as a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award for the best kicker. He hasn’t missed a kick all season, so it seemed like a guarantee that he would make this list. It is still surprising to see an Alabama kicker get recognition for success. It just shows how wild 2020 has been.

Alabama’s offensive trio of Harris, Jones and Smitty are each on the shortlist for the Maxwell Award. Any of them could win that award, and each of them might also be listed as Heisman finalists.

There is no way that Alabama will sweep all awards this offseason, but it is still an honor to be nominated. Expect at least some of these trophies to come to Tuscaloosa at the end of the season.