Senior day comes on Saturday for a group of 21 Alabama players. They’ll be honored with their families before the 11 a.m. kickoff against Mercer.
“My emotions are going to be very high,” cornerback Anthony Averett said. “I’ve been here for a while, my fifth year. I remember my first time I came here (to) Bryant-Denny, I think it was recruiting, think it was in 2012 or 2013 spring game. That was my first time here and that was really blessful. Now my family is going to be here for this last game so it’s going to be fun.”
Alabama’s four-year seniors are 50-4 in their careers, and one more win will tie the NCAA record for 51 wins by a graduating class, set at Alabama last year. Its five-year seniors are 61-6. Alabama has won three conference championships and one national championship in their careers and made the College Football Playoff three straight seasons.
This group has a chance to be the first class to win four straight SEC championships since Florida did it from 1993-96. Alabama last won four straight conference titles from 1972-75 as part of a five-year stretch for the Crimson Tide.
“This group has done a great job in terms of what they’ve been able to accomplish here in their careers at the University of Alabama,” coach Nick Saban said. “Not only as players on the field, but we could have as many as 26 guys that have their degree when we play our last game this year. I think we’ve had 101 in the last four years which is pretty significant in terms of the great job of helping guys develop careers off the field and this group is no different.
“They’ve been great ambassadors and representatives of the university. I’m really proud of this group and what they’ve been able to do. They’ve had to overcome adversity at times, especially in this season. I hope our fans come out and support this group of guys and show their admiration for their hard work and what they’ve done to represent the football program and the University of Alabama.”
They account for 532 career games and 198 career starts, collectively.
It’s been a long time coming for many players who grew up as Alabama fans, or those who waited for years to become major contributors to the team. There’s still time left in their careers, but they move on from Bryant-Denny Stadium after Saturday.
“I’m excited but at the same time I know it’s going to be kind of bittersweet,” center Bradley Bozeman said. “It’s been a great journey for me. I’ve been so blessed. I couldn’t ask for a better experience, this coaching staff, this whole place has been great to me.”
Alabama’s 2017 Senior Day honorees
Anthony Averett
Bradley Bozeman
Tony Brown
Hunter Bryant
Rashaan Evans
Robert Foster
Josh Frazier
Bo Grant
Shaun Dion Hamilton
Da’Shawn Hand
J.C. Hassenauer
Austin Johnson
Hootie Jones
Vohn Keith Jr.
Jamar King
Rogria Lewis
Andy Pappanastos
Jacob Parker
JK Scott
Cam Sims
Levi Wallace
