Alabama Football: Mid-Season Player Awards

Most Improved Player – Terrion Arnold – Cornerback

The improvement of Terrion Arnold has been one of the highlights of the season and has been massive for what Alabama can do defensively. Instinctually, Arnold’s play recognition has jumped off the table with the highlight coming this past Saturday when Arnold sniffed out a screen pass and flew up to make the stop forcing a Volunteer punt. In the absence of Malachi Moore, Terrion Arnold was able to bump over and play the star position filling in nicely. Arnold did leave the Tennessee game with a concussion, hopefully, he’ll return for the LSU game as the Alabama defense will have its hands full with the Tigers’ explosive passing attack.

Top Newcomer – Caleb Downs – Freshman

You have to be a high-caliber player to start as a true freshman on a Nick Saban-led team. Through eight games, Caleb Downs has been exactly that leading the Alabama Football team in tackles with 63. Downs is also the leading tackler out of all underclassmen in the SEC, leads the conference in solo tackles, and is fourth overall in the conference in total tackles. Downs has struggled in coverage at times but, as he continues to improve, he has a real shot at being an All-American as a true freshman.