Alabama has had numerous players step up and play key roles
in the team’s drive back to the BCS, but few have been as crucial to their
success this season as center Barrett Jones. The heart and soul of the
offensive line, Jones was recently awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is
commonly referred to as the “Academic Heisman”. The award is given to a player
based on his academic achievements, community service and contributions on the
field, which speaks volumes about Jones ability as not only a football player,
but as a student and leader as well. He is one of the most decorated student
athletes in the history of not only Alabama, but the entire Southeastern
Conference. He is the first four-time Academic All-American in the history of
Alabama football, has already earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting, and
will soon complete his masters in accountancy as well. While he certainly has a
long career in the NFL ahead of him, he would be very successful even if he was
not one of the best offensive linemen in the country.
His intelligence has also helped him become one of the most
versatile offensive linemen in the history of college football. After starting
at right guard for two seasons, earning some All-America recognition during
that time, Jones moved to the all-important left tackle position for his junior
year. He went on to win the Jacobs Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the
SEC, and also won the Outland Trophy as the top interior lineman in the
country. With the loss of center Williams Vlachos this past season, Jones was
asked to move to center in order to make room for ultra-talented Cyrus
Kouandjio at left tackle. Jones responded with another All-America season,
helping pave the way for the Crimson Tide’s devastating running game. Jones’
value to the team is immense, and one of the biggest reasons why the Crimson
Tide will play for their third national title in four years on January 7th.
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