Alabama football players could determine their futures from this one game
We are used to seeing Alabama football stars leaving early for the NFL Draft. Last season alone, the Crimson Tide saw four underclassmen drafted in the first round. With one more game left in the 2020 college football season, some players still haven’t made their decisions. All players are eligible to return thanks to NCAA eligibility rules, but many will base their decision on this one game.
There are some stars who are bound to head to the NFL. I would be genuinely shocked if Najee Harris, DeVonta Smith or Patrick Surtain returned for another season with the Crimson Tide. However, there are some fringe decisions that need to be made. Players like Josh Jobe, Christian Barmore and LaBryan Ray come to mind.
There will be a lot that goes into these decisions, and each situation is nuanced. No matter what each player decides, they will be supported by Alabama football fans. While we can’t read the minds of every player, let’s take a look at some factors on a macro scale.
Obviously, the outcome of the game itself will play a pivotal role. Juniors haven’t won a championship yet, and they would likely want to end their collegiate careers with a title. We saw many juniors from last year’s team return due to the unsuccessful outcome of the season. However, it isn’t as simple as that. We saw Damien Harris return for his senior season after winning a title as a freshman and a junior, so these decisions contain multitudes.
Also, individual performances matter. Take a look at Mac Jones. He is seen as a potential first-round quarterback. If he dominates in the CFP National Championship, he will almost certainly take the leap and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. If he struggles, he might feel as if he needs to prove himself for another season.
The same goes for players like Josh Jobe and Christian Barmore. At the end of the day, each player has to make the decision that is in their best interests. Most players likely haven’t considered this yet as they prepare for the game itself. Nick Saban will help them analyze the situation in the offseason. Still, their final decisions could easily come down to how Monday goes.