MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama defensive end Alex Page was named Wednesday as one of 30 candidates for the 2013 Senior CLASS Award in college football. Page was recognized for the Senior CLASS Award as the Jaguars prepared for Saturday’s game at Tulane.
About the Award
To be eligible, a candidate must be classified as a senior in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and have notable achievements in four areas: community, classroom, character and competition.
The list of 30 candidates will be cut to 10 finalists at midseason. The winner will be determined by a nationwide vote of media, coaches and fans and announced in January during the bowl season.
Page’s Academic Record
Page, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound native of Prattville, Ala., earned his undergraduate degree in history in May and is now pursuing a master’s degree. He was named first-team CoSIDA Academic All-District last year and was on the Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s List for 2012-13.
On-Field Production
Page was a second-team All-Sun Belt selection in 2012 after recording 64 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. He ranked among the Sun Belt’s top 10 in both tackles for loss and sacks.
He posted a career-high 10 tackles in two games last season, including South Alabama’s first win over a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent, against Florida Atlantic.
Entering the 2013 season, Page was voted to the preseason All-Sun Belt first team by the league’s coaches and media. He was also a preseason first-team all-conference pick by Phil Steele, Lindy’s and Athlon Sports.
Jaguars Wrap Up Physical Practice
South Alabama held a two-hour practice Wednesday that included individual drills, situational work, special teams and offense-versus-defense periods.
“It was a pretty good physical practice,” head coach Joey Jones told AL.com. “Going into this week, we’re not going leave anything on the practice field. We’re going to work our tails off and get ready for this ball game and we’re going to bring it to the game on Saturday. That’s our goal.”
Jones said Tulane does well running the ball inside and noted that quarterback Nick Montana, a former Notre Dame player and the son of NFL great Joe Montana, can place the ball well to receivers and attack the whole field. Running back Orleans Darkwa is also a key part of the Green Wave offense.
Injury Update
South Alabama came out of its season-opening loss to Southern Utah without new injuries. Offensive lineman Melvin Meggs tore his ACL during summer workouts, and Will Thompson had leg surgery during preseason camp.
Wes Saxton was held out of practice Tuesday but returned Wednesday in a non-contact jersey. Jones said he expects Saxton to be ready to play Saturday.
