Alabama quarterback Mac Jones had a dream season in 2020. After replacing Tua Tagovailoa under center for the Crimson Tide, Jones led Alabama to an undefeated season and a national championship.
Jones was anything but a game manager, completing 77 percent of his passes for 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
Jones’ play earned him first-team All-SEC honors, and he was also a consensus first-team All-American.
The redshirt junior from Jacksonville, Florida, also won the Davey O’Brien Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award — both given to the top quarterback in college football. He came in second place to teammate DeVonta Smith for the Heisman Trophy.
Earlier this week, Jones was named as the winner of the Manning Award.
The award, presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, honors Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning’s accomplishments and is voted on by selected media and the Manning family.
Unlike the other awards, the Manning Award takes bowl games and playoff games into consideration, further helping Jones’ cause after his outstanding performances in wins over Notre Dame and Ohio State in the College Football Playoff.
Archie Manning spoke on Jones winning the award, via Ted Lewis of The Advocate.
“It was quite a year for Mac Jones and the Alabama football team,” Manning said. “We had a lot of outstanding quarterbacks in the country, but I don’t think any player directed his offense as efficiently and effectively as Mac.”
Jones has already declared for the 2021 NFL draft.