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The Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, announced its preseason Watch List on Thursday. The list includes 30 of the top quarterbacks in the nation heading into the 2022 season. The winner will again be selected by a voting panel, which includes national media and each of the Mannings, after the bowls. The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates' bowl performances in its balloting.

This year's Watch List includes players from all 10 Football Bowl Subdivision conferences. The SEC leads the way with six selections, while the ACC and Big Ten have five each. Five of last year's Manning Award finalists are included on this year's Watch List, led by the 2021 Manning Award winner Bryce Young from Alabama. Joining Young as returning finalists are Brennan Armstrong (Virginia), Sam Hartman (Wake Forest), Will Rogers (Mississippi State) and C.J. Stroud (Ohio State). - The Manning Award

(DS#2 QB) Jr/2023

QB *Bryce Young, Alabama
News Source: The Manning Award
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08/22/22 - *Jahmyr Gibbs, Jr/2023, Alabama, 5-09, 199 (DS#2 RB) + More +

The praise has been nearly universal surrounding new Alabama back Jahmyr Gibbs. Since transferring from Georgia Tech, it's clear he's the frontrunner to succeed Brian Robinson as the first option from the backfield. It's the versatility that's made him such an interesting piece of the retooled puzzle for Bryce Young and the Crimson Tide offense surrounding him. That should make his choice of NFL influences fairly predictable.

Meeting with reporters in Tuscaloosa for the first time Friday, Gibbs said he likes to model his game after Carolina Panther running back Christian McCaffrey and Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers. "That's what the NFL likes," Gibbs said. McCaffrey has a rushing attempt-to-reception ratio of 781:357 since entering the league in 2017. Jones isn't as balanced at 822:183 while Gibbs was 232:60 in his two years with the Yellow Jackets. Robinson, now with the Washington Commanders, caught 35 passes while running the ball 271 times last year with Bill O'Brien calling the plays and Young distributing the ball. Alabama defenders have been complimentary since spring practice and now into August. "He's shifty. He got me yesterday in practice in team run," Alabama defensive lineman DJ Dale said. "I thought I had him to break down. He made me stop my feet. He stopped and kept going and he was gone. He was a very dynamic piece to our offense and I'm glad we got him." - Birmingham News

(DS#2 RB) Jr/2023

RB *Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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08/21/22 - Domani Jackson, Sr/2026, Alabama, 6-1, 195 (DS#5 CB) + More +

FRESHMEN WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS TO WATCH IN 2022: DOMANI JACKSON, CB, USC,...Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury in the first game of his senior season, Jackson figures to battle for playing time in the Trojan's secondary. A five-star player rated among the best cornerbacks in the 2022 class, coach Lincoln Riley said he has performed well in practice, but was held out of a scrimmage. - AP College Football

(DS#5 CB) Sr/2026

CB Domani Jackson, Alabama
News Source: AP College Football
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08/18/22 - *Jahmyr Gibbs, Jr/2023, Alabama, 5-09, 199 (DS#2 RB) + More +

Deploying a two-back set every so often might be exactly what the Alabama offense needs. Here are a few reasons why. Jahmyr Gibbs' versatility When a running back has scary speed and the ability to catch and run like Gibbs, any offensive coordinator would be wise to find mismatches for him. Linebacker Henry To'oTo'o said he has never guarded a back like Gibbs before. Will Anderson Jr. said Gibbs is like a little wide receiver. "Trying to run with him," Anderson said, "It's different." Gibbs offers a variety of options, from catching the ball out of the backfield and being valuable in the screen game to running between the tackles and working on the perimeter. He finished with 143 carries for 746 yards and four rushing touchdowns to go with 36 receptions for 470 yards and two receiving touchdowns in 2021. - Montgomery Advertiser

(DS#2 RB) Jr/2023

RB *Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
News Source: Montgomery Advertiser
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08/18/22 - *Eli Ricks, Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-2, 190 (DS#23 CB) + More +

Alabama football continues to have injuries pop up at cornerback as it tries to determine who will start at the position. Eli Ricks is the latest Crimson Tide cornerback to miss time. The LSU transfer has got "a little bit of a back problem," Alabama coach Nick Saban said Wednesday. Ricks hasn't been able to practice since the scrimmage on Saturday. "I don't think it's anything that's going to keep him out for a long time," Saban said. Khyree Jackson, another cornerback in contention for one of the starting spots, missed the scrimmage as he was dealing with a groin injury. "I was not disappointed in the way (Ricks) played in the scrimmage," Saban said. "I think there's a lot of competition at that position. I can't tell you who would be the starting corners at this point." - Montgomery Advertiser

(DS#23 CB) Jr/2023

CB *Eli Ricks, Alabama
News Source: Montgomery Advertiser
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08/15/22 - *Will Anderson Jr., Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

With two of the best players in the country leading the way - and a championship game loss as motivation - Alabama is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason college football poll for the second straight season and ninth time overall. Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, national defensive player of year Will Anderson Jr. and the Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes and 1,566 points in the Top 25 presented by Regions Bank released on Monday.

Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes (1,506 points) from the media panel and defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes (1,455 points). Clemson is No. 4. Notre Dame rounds out the top five, setting up a tantalizing opener at Ohio State on Sept. 3. The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years under coach Nick Saban. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma with 10 has been No. 1 in the initial poll more often than Alabama. - AP College Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023

DE *Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
News Source: AP College Football
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08/15/22 - DeMarcco Hellams, Sr/2023, Alabama, 6-1, 203 (DS#9 FS) + More +

There are some real personalities in Alabama's secondary. Jordan Battle proved that last year. Now a senior, Battle stepped to the mic Friday to say he didn't have any new Nick Saban jokes but noted the coach has been laughing a lot and that he's "liking his energy lately." The Fort Lauderdale product gave a rundown of freshmen safeties who are getting their sea legs before being asked about another fourth-year safety. Like Battle, DeMarcco Hellams opted against the NFL to come back for another season in Tuscaloosa. In a secondary with a few big names and personalities, Hellams could be one who doesn't get the same recognition as Battle or Kool-Aid McKinstry.

But the Washington DC product tied for the team lead with three interceptions a year ago. He also has quite a nickname. "He's Hitman Hellams," Battle said Friday. "He's a big hitter." Indeed he is. Listed at 6-foot-1, 208 pounds, Hellams has a highlight reel that proves he's not afraid of a little contact. But Hitman Hellams? "I think he came up with it, to be honest," Battle said who asked for the origin story. "His play speaks for the name. He's a good hitter. When he breaks on the ball, I think receivers are a little timid to catch it." - Birmingham News

(DS#9 FS) Sr/2023

FS DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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08/13/22 - Chris Braswell, Sr/2024, Alabama, 6-3, 259 (DS#4 OLB) + More +

Alabama opponents know exactly what they'll get from Will Anderson as the nation's top returning pass rusher, and over the second half of last season, they got a strong taste of what Dallas Turner can do in that regard as well. Chris Braswell is more of an unopened package, but Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban put him in a category with the other two when asked about the 240-pound junior outside linebacker from Baltimore. "He's a really good rusher, he's got great first-step quickness. You can be quick and fast, but if you can't turn speed to power, you're never going to be an effective rusher. And he can do that really well," Saban said. "I think we have three guys there right now that are really good players at outside backer." Braswell has yet to notch his first career sack, putting him a far cry from Anderson's career production. But it's clear Saban is comfortable with his effectiveness in a pass-rushing role, and he could see the field this fall with Anderson and Turner in third-and-long situations when pass rushers are at a premium.

Braswell also can turn heads in the weight room. He's squatted as much as 705 pounds - almost triple his body weight - and power cleaned 405, according to The Athletic. "He's got a much better understanding of what he's supposed to do playing defense, playing outside 'backer. It takes guys a little time who have their hand in the dirt all the time when they're in high school," Saban added. "Then we try to teach them how to play standing up, which is a good fit for a lot of guys. Because they're not really big enough to be defensive ends, especially at the next level. So if they can play outside 'backer and rush on third down, that creates tremendous value when they learn how to play standing up. He has learned that, and he's improved at the pass coverage part of it." - Montgomery Advertiser

(DS#4 OLB) Sr/2024

OLB Chris Braswell, Alabama
News Source: Montgomery Advertiser
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08/12/22 - Kool-Aid McKinstry, Jr/2024, Alabama, 6-0, 199 (DS#5 CB) + More +

Six of Alabama's past seven football seasons have stretched into the second week of January, making the task particularly difficult for any of its players wanting to also play basketball. Doing so would require shaking off the physical rigors of a 15-game football season and then jumping into an SEC basketball schedule, without the benefits of much practice time or experience in non-conference games. But five-star cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry and four-star cornerback Terrion Arnold both arrived at Alabama last year with aspirations to play both sports, something that was welcomed by Nick Saban and men's basketball coach Nate Oats.

Oats said McKinstry would have a spot on the team and he practiced with the team upon his arrival on campus in early 2021. But after turning his attention back to football in the fall, McKinstry did not join the hoops team after football season this past winter. Basketball does not appear to be in McKinstry's future. "When I first got here, I was thinking about playing basketball," McKinstry explained Tuesday. "I actually did practice with the basketball team, but as of right now, I don't think I'll be playing basketball." - Birmingham News

(DS#5 CB) Jr/2024

CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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08/11/22 - Jermaine Burton, Sr/2024, Alabama, 6-0, 196 (DS#20 WR) + More +

If Bryce Young is going to win the Heisman Trophy again this season, he will have to do so with an almost entirely new cast of characters. He doesn't have receivers Jameson Williams, John Metchie III or Slade Bolden to catch passes anymore. They all went off to the NFL. That's 217 combined receptions lost. Now, a week into preseason practices, Young is having to build rapport with new receivers who have a chance to be some of his top weapons. Alabama went out and added some of the best available in the transfer portal in Georgia's Jermaine Burton and Louisville's Tyler Harrell. Young praised both Tuesday, speaking to reporters for the first time in August.

Young was aware of Burton from their time in California, but Young also knew him from Burton's time with the Bulldogs. "On film, how explosive he was is what really popped," Young said. Nick Saban said Burton has been the most consistent among Alabama's receivers so far. Young said Burton always gives everything in practice, finishing routes and plays. He also has noticed Burton's selflessness in that he is willing to run any route and play any role. "He's someone who comes to work every day with a great attitude," Young said. "Before every walk through, he's coming up to me like, 'Let's get it. Let's have a great practice. Let's get better." - Tuscaloosa News

(DS#20 WR) Sr/2024

WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama
News Source: Tuscaloosa News
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08/11/22 - *Eli Ricks, Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-2, 190 (DS#23 CB) + More +

LSU transfer Eli Ricks was a five-star recruit and freshman All-American in Baton Rouge before opting for Tuscaloosa for Year 3. It's been a challenge and Saban said the domino effect began with the shoulder injury that ended his sophomore season in October. "I think that Eli sort of with the injuries that he had and the time that he was off," Saban said Sunday, "it was really a more difficult transition for him physically, emotionally, mentally, to come from where he was, to where he needs to get to be a kind of player that he wants to be." Ricks wasn't in a full contact jersey for the A-Day Game in April when he was playing with the second-team defense. Sophomore Kool-Aid McKinstry and senior Khyree Jackson were the starters with the first-team defense in a competition that has carried over into August. As the No. 14 overall player in the 247Sports composite ranking of the 2020 class, Ricks was an instant star at LSU. He was a freshman All-American while intercepting four passes in his 14 total games with the Tigers.

A torn labrum ended his second season in mid-October after re-injuring the same shoulder that required surgery the previous offseason, The Advocate reported. "I think that sometimes when you go through all those things, it can affect your confidence a little bit because you get frustrated and struggle because you're not used to being in the kind of condition that you once were," Saban said of Ricks. "No fault of his, but he had some difficult circumstances to overcome with the injuries and so forth. But he is making very, very good progress physically and on the field in terms of grasping the system and having a better understanding of what's required of him to be a good player." Defensive coordinator Pete Golding said there were five cornerbacks competing for two starting spots with Ricks definitely in that mix. - Birmingham News

(DS#23 CB) Jr/2023

CB *Eli Ricks, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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08/11/22 - *Will Anderson Jr., Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

The Alabama preseason camp of 2021 came with legitimate questions about leadership. A power vacuum opened after losing such a veteran-stocked group that powered a national title run. The next few months validated those concerns as the Crimson Tide struggled to find the right voices. Linebacker Will Anderson was just a sophomore but stood up to fill the void, challenging teammates when their mindset wasn't up to standard. A year later, the All-American is an unquestioned voice among the leadership group in the Crimson Tide locker room. He offered an early evaluation of the mood as Alabama continues its first week of preseason camp. "There's not a lot of knuckleheads in the locker room," Anderson said bluntly, "no negativity in the locker room. Everybody's been bought in and committed and all into what we have going on this year."

The leadership group includes Anderson, defensive lineman DJ Dale, safety Jordan Battle, linebacker Henry To'o To'o and quarterback Bryce Young. Anderson said the group met with Nick Saban on Sunday. "Everybody's been very receptive of what we've been trying to get across," Anderson said, "the messages that we've been trying to get across to the team." Twice last season Anderson went public when he saw the team losing the mental edge -- first after a near loss at Florida and again after falling at Texas A&M. He didn't like the mindset, and though he was on the younger side, he couldn't sit back and say nothing after seeing what he saw. He sees a better disposition with the 2022 Crimson Tide. - Birmingham News

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023

DE *Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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08/11/22 - Henry Too Too, Sr/2023, Alabama, 6-1, 227 (DS#3 ILB) + More +

2022 PRESEASON ROTARY LOMBARDI AWARD WATCHLIST: Henry To'o To'o, Alabama, Sr ILB,...Came to the Capstone and immediately stepped in to start in the middle of the Tide defense... earned All-SEC Second Team honors from the conference coaches...led UA in tackles with 113, including 8.5 for loss (-41 yards) while also contributing four sacks (-29 yards). - Alabama Football

(DS#3 ILB) Sr/2023

ILB Henry Too Too, Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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08/11/22 - Jordan Battle, Sr/2023, Alabama, 6-1, 209 (DS#1 SS) + More +

2022 PRESEASON WUERFFEL TROPHY (COMMUNITY SERVICE) WATCHLIST: Jordan Battle, Alabama, Sr., DB,...Battle earned second team All-America honors from the AFCA while also being recognized as a second-teamer by CBS Sports ... a third team All-American by the Associated Press ... earned All-SEC First Team honors from both the AP and the conference coaches ... tied for the UA team lead and fifth in the SEC in interceptions with three. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 SS) Sr/2023

SS Jordan Battle, Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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08/11/22 - *Will Anderson Jr., Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

2022 PRESEASON ROTARY LOMBARDI AWARD WATCHLIST: Will Anderson Jr., Alabama, Jr OLB,...One of the top defenders in all of college football who enters his junior season in 2022...Selected as a unanimous first team All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore...Led the country in tackles for loss with 34.5 (-148 yards) and sacks at 17.5 (-108 yards) in 2021...Accumulated 102 total tackles to rank second on UA while adding a team-high nine quarterback pressures a season ago. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023

DE *Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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