Three Alabama Linebackers Named to The Butkus Award Preseason Watch List
Alabama linebackers Christopher Allen, Will Anderson Jr. and Christian Harris were named to the Butkus Award Preseason Watch List on Monday.
Allen, Anderson or Harris could be the fifth Alabama player to win the Butkus Award. Reuben Foster was the last Crimson Tide linebacker to win the award in 2016. CJ Mosely claimed the honor in 2013, Rolando McClain in 2009 and Derrick Thomas in 1988.
In his first season as a starter, Allen recorded 41 tackles and led the SEC in tackles for loss with 13. He also registered six sacks, five quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery to earn Second Team All-SEC honors.
Will Anderson Jr. had a dominant freshman year for the Crimson Tide in 2020. He ranked third in the SEC in sacks with 7.5 and tackles for loss with 10.5 and forced a team-high eight quarterback hurries. The Georgia native earned Freshman All-American honors and was selected as the Shaun Alexander-FWAA Freshman of the Year.
Christian Harris enters his third year as a starter in the Alabama defense. As a freshman, Harris recorded 63 tackles, five quarterback pressures, two fumble recoveries led the SEC’s freshman defenders in tackles for loss with 7.5. He was selected to the Freshman All-SEC Team and earned Freshman All-American honors.
Last season, Harris finished second on the team in tackles with 79. He also recorded seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, six quarterback pressures, two pass breakups and an interception.
The Crimson Tide boast one of the nations top linebacker corps with Allen, Anderson and Harris. Nick Saban also added Tennessee transfer Henry To'o To'o this unit in the summer.
Allen, Anderson, Harris and T'oo To'o were all selected to Preseason All-SEC Team.
PHOTOS: Alabama Celebrates #18
Alabama Crimson Tide All-Time Receiving Leaderboard
LOOK: These Stars Grew Up in Small Towns