Tide's Russell, Metz Named Semifinalists For National Awards

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A pair of Alabama football standouts are in contention for some of college football's most prestigious individual honors, as quarterback Keelon Russell and linebacker Luke Metz were named semifinalists for national awards Tuesday.

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The UA Athletic Department announced that Russell is among 18 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, presented annually to the nation's top offensive player, while Metz is one of 18 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award, which recognizes the country's top defensive player.

The Maxwell Football Club will announce finalists for both awards Nov. 24, with the winners revealed during ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11.

Russell, who secured Alabama's starting quarterback job late in fall camp, has emerged as one of the Southeastern Conference's most productive offensive players this season.

The Crimson Tide quarterback has completed 165 of 245 passes for 2,263 yards and 18 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He has also contributed 276 rushing yards on 74 carries, tying for the team lead with five rushing touchdowns.

Russell ranks among the top 25 nationally and top four in the SEC in several offensive categories, including passing yards, passing touchdowns, points scored and total offense. He is averaging 282.1 yards of total offense per game.

Alabama has produced five Maxwell Award winners, including AJ McCarron (2013), Derrick Henry (2015), Tua Tagovailoa (2018), DeVonta Smith (2020) and Bryce Young (2021).

On the defensive side, Metz has established himself as a key contributor for a unit that ranks among the nation's best at creating turnovers.

The second-year linebacker earned a starting role this season and has helped direct a Crimson Tide defense that leads the SEC and ranks third nationally with 21 takeaways.

Alabama has recorded 13 interceptions this season, including five returned for touchdowns.

Metz ranks second on the team with 68 tackles and leads the Crimson Tide with four turnovers, including two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He also has five quarterback hurries, the second-most on Alabama's defense, and half a tackle for loss.

One of his biggest plays came Sept. 12 against Kentucky, when he returned an interception for a touchdown.

Three Alabama defenders have previously won the Bednarik Award: Jonathan Allen in 2016, Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2017 and Will Anderson Jr. in 2022.

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