4 Alabama underclassmen announce they will enter the NFL Draft
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Four standout members of Alabama’s 2020 national championship squad are officially off to the NFL. During a joint media session Thursday, defensive lineman Christian Barmore, quarterback Mac Jones, defensive back Patrick Sartain II and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle officially declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Barmore leaves having completed his redshirt sophomore season, satisfying the requirements of being three seasons removed from high school. Barmore led the Crimson Tide defense in sacks with 8, also recording 37 tackles (9.5 TFL), 6 quarterback hurries, 3 pass breakups and 3 forced fumbles.
Jones departs after shining as a redshirt junior. A finalist for the Heisman Trophy and winner of two prominent quarterback awards (Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, Davey O’Brien), Jones led the nation in passing yards (4,500), completion percentage (77.4), and yards per attempt (11.2) throwing 41 touchdowns to just 4 interceptions.
Surtain was a junior in 2020. He led the SEC in pass breakups with 12 also recording 38 tackles (3.5 TFL), 3 QB hurries and an interception returned for a score. Surtain earned unanimous All-American recognition for his standout play this season.
Waddle leaves after a junior season in which he missed seven full games and all but one play of the Tennessee game. In his six appearances (including UT and limited playing time in the national championship game), he recorded 28 catches for 591 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
