Alabama trio of Allen, Foster and Howard expected to bypass NFL Draft
Alabama trio expected to bypass NFL Draft and return to the Crimson Tide in 2016 for another run at the national championship.
The Alabama Crimson Tide saw Heisman winner Derrick Henry and All-American defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson declare for the NFL Draft earlier this week, days after winning the national title, but plenty of stars will be returning to Tuscaloosa next year.
Monday is the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft but on Saturday afternoon, defensive end Jonathan Allen tweeted his intentions to return for next season and make a run at the school’s 17th national championship.
Allen led Alabama with 12 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss and he did all that despite playing in a deep rotation along the defensive line. His numbers could see a big uptick next year with more snaps. He could be a first round pick next year if he does.
Let the hunt for 17 begin #WonAsOne
— Jonathan Allen (@jonallen93_) January 16, 2016
Allen joins fellow pass rusher Tim Williams who announced earlier in the week he will be returning for the 2016 season. And according to ESPN’s Chris Low, linebacker Reuben Foster and tight end O.J. Howard will also be bypassing the NFL Draft and returning for another chance at a national title.
Deadline for underclassmen to declare is Monday and things can always change, but I'm told O.J. Howard and Reuben Foster also plan to return
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 16, 2016
Foster was Alabama’s second-leading tackler behind SEC Defensive Player of the Year Reggie Ragland with 73 stops and could make a run at that honor next year. He’s gone through the process at Alabama, beginning his career as a special teams monster and developing into an every down linebacker. He’s following in the long line of dominant linebackers to play for Saban at Alabama.
With Foster, Allen and Williams returning, the Crimson Tide defense should rank among one of the nation’s best again next year despite the losses to the draft and graduation.
More saturday blitz: 10 Early Bold Predictions for 2016
Also returning is the star of the National Championship with tight end O.J. Howard coming back for his senior year and if he has more games like the one he had against Clemson when he had 208 yards and two touchdowns, he could be the first tight end taken in the 2017 NFL Draft.