Alabama churns out defensive talent like a factory and those players win plenty of accolades and awards because of it. It should come as no surprise then that defensive end Jonathan Allen won the Lombardi Award —- given to the best lineman or linebacker each season —- for his outstanding season. He had two fumble return touchdowns, 69 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and even two pass breakups. However, it will surprise you how long it's been since the last winner of the award.
Jonathan Allen your 2016 Lombardi Award winner. First for @AlabamaFTBL since 1986. Congrats Jon! #RollTide pic.twitter.com/LqHuj0UrFV
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) February 12, 2017
RELATED: Jonathan Allen says a surprising team had the best OL this season
It's been thirty years since an Alabama player won that award and it's pretty hard to believe considering some of the talent that has gone through Tuscaloosa. Players like Courtney Upshaw, Dont'a Hightower, Marcell Dareus, C.J. Mosley, Reggie Ragland and Rolando McClain have come through the program and somehow never won the award, so Allen has a lot to brag about.
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