Alabama freshman duo named to Shaun Alexander Award watch list

Alabama has won the award twice previously.

Ahead of Saturday night’s Week 1 matchup against Western Kentucky, a pair of Alabama Crimson Tide freshmen, Ryan Williams and Zabien Brown, have been named to the preseason watch list for the Shaun Alexander Award.

The award, which is named after the former star Alabama running back, is presented annually to the freshman player of the year across college football.

Williams comes to Alabama as one of the nation’s top overall recruits from the 2024 class, even despite reclassifying from the 2025 cycle. A five-star prospect from in-state Saraland High School in Alabama, Williams was rated as the nation’s No. 4 overall player according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, and is likely to make an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide at wide receiver.

Brown, who was also a five-star prospect, was considered the nation’s No. 30 overall prospect out of national power Mater Dei High School in California. The cornerback is also expected to be a prominent contributor in 2024 for the Crimson Tide, potentially even starting at the position.

Alabama has won the award twice since its’ inception back in 2018, as Will Anderson Jr. previously took home honors during the 2020 season, as well as Caleb Downs winning in 2023.