2 Alabama players named to ESPN’s ‘Heisman Watch’ List

As for the Crimson Tide,  it’s no surprise which two players were named: Alabama quarterback Mac Jones and Alabama running back Najee Harris

The Alabama Crimson Tide is a week away from playing their first game, but that didn’t stop Alabama from having two players named to ESPN’s Heisman Watch’ List which was released on Tuesday.

ESPN gets the rankings by using the following methodology: 13 voters, five votes each. Points system: five points for first-place votes, four points for second-place votes, three points for third-place votes, two points for fourth-place votes, and one point for fifth-place votes.

At the top of the list is Trevor Lawrence, who secured every single first-place vote, but he’s one of the only players named to the list who has played a game so far this season.

As for the Crimson Tide,  it’s no surprise which two players were named: Alabama quarterback Mac Jones and Alabama running back Najee Harris.

Mac Jones
Jan 1, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws the ball during the first quarter of the 2020 VRBO Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Mac Jones finished the season 3-1 as a starter.  And by end of the season, Jones had a quarterback rating (186.8) that ranks as the highest of any returning signal-caller (minimum four starts) in the SEC for 2020, which is amazing considering his only four starts were this past season.

Jones also finished the season with 1,503 yards passing, 14 TDs, and 3 INTs.

Major Tennison
Jan 1, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) celebrates with end Major Tennison (88) and offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. (74) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the 2020 VRBO Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium.  Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

As for Najee Harris, there’s no doubt that Harris will have a big impact on Alabama’s offense, and has a chance to climb up in the Heisman race as well as a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Last season Harris’ role became more dominant on offense, especially after Tua Tagovailoa endured a season-ending injury. Harris finished the season with 1,224 yards rushing off of 209 carries. He also had a career-best 13 touchdowns.

In his career, he has over 2,300 rushing yards and 20 TDs, as well as over 350 receiving yards with another 7 TDs.

It will be exciting to see what Jones, Harris, and the Crimson Tide can do this season.

Alabama opens up the 2020 season against the Missouri Tigers on Saturday.

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