55Emil Ekiyor Jr.
Position
OL
Height
6-3
Weight
307
Earned first team All-SEC recognition from both the Associated Press and the league coaches … third-year starter at guard who was a force in the run game for the Crimson Tide … led the team in knockdown blocks with 31 … started 12 games and played in all 13 … a powerful presence in the middle of the line who blocked for the nation’s No. No. 4 scoring offense (41.1 ppg), No. 11 total offense (477.1 ypg), No. 19 passing offense (281.6 ypg) and the No. 36 rushing attack (195.5 ypg) … the UA front surrendered just 12 sacks among offensive linemen (one sack every 36.5 attempts) and only 22 total sacks on the season across 504 dropbacks for a 1.69 sacks per game average that finished fifth in the SEC … helped an offensive front that opened holes for an average of 5.55 yards per carry, a total that ranked fourth nationally … allowed one sack, nine pressures, eight quarterback hits and committed one penalty on the season … named to the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy, which is presented to the top interior lineman in college football … earned offensive player of the week honors from the Alabama staff for his efforts at Ole Miss and against Auburn. Utah State: Came off the bench in the opener due to an injury that forced him to miss five practices leading up to the game