Defensive lineman typically do not receive much consideration for the Heisman Trophy, but Nick Saban hopes that will change with one of his star players, Jonathan Allen.
Allen received numerous defensive player of the week awards for his performance in Alabama’s victory over Texas A&M last weekend. The senior had six tackles, an incredible, must-see sack (video here) and he returned a fumble for a touchdown in the game.
Allen’s excellence on the big stage — in addition to his strong all-around numbers this season — has Saban hoping the lineman will receive some consideration for college football’s most recognizable award.
“He has a lot of great attributes as a player,” Saban said Tuesday via SEC Country. “If he continues to finish the year like he’s played all year long — which has been fabulous for us — he’ll get some national accolades. I think the Heisman Trophy is a very coveted award that if you look at it through the years has gone to, for whatever reason, mostly skill players.
“Sometimes linemen get a little left out or overlooked. I’m not saying that will or won’t happen. I hope he does get considered, and I think he would be a great candidate for it.”
Allen is up to 35 tackles with six sacks and two touchdowns this season — highly impressive numbers for a defensive lineman in eight games. The likelihood of Allen being a finalist for the Heisman is low, but at least there is some growing conversation surrounding his candidacy, which is always a nice thing for defensive players — and especially linemen — who tend to be overlooked.
