Outland Trophy caps week of highs for Tide star
Alabama's Barrett Jones began his Outland Trophy acceptance speech Thursday night by apologizing to the crowd if he appeared at all pale or lifeless. He hasn't been getting much sleep.
His team had won the BCS national championship Monday night, so Jones hadn't crashed until 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. He woke up an hour later for a flight to Omaha, where he's made several public appearances — including the Thursday dinner officially honoring him as the nation's top interior lineman.
Any Jones apology wasn't necessary, though. The fatigue wasn't evident.
The junior offensive tackle, a 6-foot-5, 311-pounder, spoke with charisma and humility while sharing an inspirational message to nearly 500 people inside the Downtown DoubleTree hotel Thursday night.
Jones thanked his family and coaches. Credited his Christian faith. Gushed about his teammates. Raved about the Alabama experience — he's coming back for one more year despite having graduated with an accounting degree.
Jones quoted his position coach, Jeff Stoutland, saying "no man is an island. You must draw your strength from others."
He's the third Alabama player to earn the Outland award in the past 13 years (and the second in four seasons). The Memphis, Tenn., native has started for the last three years, playing as many as four different spots on the O-line.
He has a 4.0 GPA. He was active in the cleanup efforts after a deadly tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa, Ala., last spring — Stoutland said Jones was wielding a chainsaw every day. He has also organized mission trips to Haiti.
"They don't build them like this guy," Stoutland said. "He's a special individual."
Bobby Bell was also honored Thursday as the 1962 Outland winner. Bell starred on the defensive line for the University of Minnesota before going on to a Hall of Fame career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Four former Nebraska players were recognized for their achievements this season as well.
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