Sporting News released their “top 40 college football players for 2020,” and 6 Crimson Tide players made the list.
Let’s go through the list of all 6 players and share what Sporting News said about each of them, in the order they were ranked from #40 to #1.
“Surtain is another well-rounded defensive back who continues to shine in Nick Saban’s defense. He averaged almost 40 tackles over the past two seasons, and he’s been consistent with forcing turnovers and pass breakups. Will he join Minkah Fitzpatrick as Alabama’s next Thorpe Award winner?”
Surtain has been a starter for Alabama since starting as a true freshman in 2018. In his career, he has recorded 79 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 2 interceptions. Surtain will be looking to have an NFL career like his father, Patrick Surtain, who spent 10 years in the NFL playing cornerback for the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.
“Moses missed last season with a knee injury, but his presence will be welcomed back as the leader of Alabama’s defense. Moses led the Crimson Tide in tackles in 2018 and added 10 tackles for loss. That steady presence in the middle of the field will make a difference in the big SEC West showdowns.”
Moses was predicted to be a first round pick entering the 2019 season until a torn ACL scratched those plans. Moses sat out the entire season and was one of the players Alabama missed on defense the most. In his first two seasons for Alabama, Moses had 116 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 pass deflection. As the season progresses, and if he can stay healthy, look for Moses to continue to climb up the draft spots in mock drafts leading up the draft. He has an incredible skill set, is a leader, and will be on a mission to prove himself in his senior season for the Crimson Tide.
#25- Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
“Waddle remains one of the most electrifying players in college football. He averages 18.1 yards per catch with one TD every six catches for his career. It’s his mark as a returner — he averages 20.0 yards per punt return — that makes him that much more dangerous on the field.”
Waddle is one of the most underrated players coming into this season. He’s versatile as a receiver but also as a punt returner. Last season, he recorded 33 receptions for 560 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also had 17 punt returns for 233 yards and 1 touchdown. With Smith and Waddle in at receiver, Alabama could easily be one of the best teams in the country this year.
#21- Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
“Alabama will have a new starting quarterback in 2020, but Harris is a familiar reliable face in the backfield. He totaled 1,224 yards and 13 TDs on the ground last season, but his development as a pass-catcher (27 catches, 304 yards, 7 TDs) was a bonus in the backfield. He could be a Heisman sleeper that follows the path set by Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry.”
Harris finished last season with 1,224 yards and 13 TDs. So far in his career, he has racked up 2,377 rushing yards and 20 TDs. The decision to return for his senior year was shocking to some, but was honestly an incredible decision. Not only does Alabama’s offense need him next season, but it will be so important in him rising up in the mock draft rankings. Considering Alabama may try to run the ball more next season, look for Harris to not only climb up the rankings, but also keep your eye on him to be in the Heisman Trophy talks next season.
“Leatherwood, a 6-6, 310-pound tackle, is the next first-round pick at the position for the Crimson Tide. He’s made 28 starts and has the added versatility of being dominant at either left tackle or right guard. He is the anchor of what should be a dominating unit up front.”
Leathwood’s decision to return for his senior season was shocking to many, considering how well he did at left tackle. Not only will Leatherwood be a leader and anchor on the Alabama offensive line, he will also be elevating his draft stock. Don’t be surprised to see Leatherwood creep into the top 10, just like former Alabama OT Jedrick Wills did in this year’s draft.
“Smith is the highest-ranked Crimson Tide player on this list. He carved out a role as Alabama’s deep-threat receiver, and he averages 17.9 yards per carry. Now, he will be the No. 1 option in the Crimson Tide’s passing attack, and that should lead to more receptions and yardage. He will always have a place in Alabama lore for his game-winning TD against Georgia in the CFP championship game. Now, he can build on that by becoming a Biletnikoff Award contender.”