Alabama Offensive Line Wins Joe Moore Award

In order to win the Heisman Trophy, Alabama running back Derrick Henry needed good blocking in front of him. It turns out he had the best in the nation.

On Thursday, the Crimson Tide’s offensive line was named the winner of the first ever Joe Moore Award, given annually to the best offensive line in the country. The award is named after Notre Dame and Pittsburgh’s long-time offensive line coach and is the only collegiate given to a unit rather than an individual.

Alabama beat out Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Stanford for the award. Their offensive line is also due a share of Henry’s glory. The running back not only broke Hershel Walker’s SEC single-season rushing record but , claimed  the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award (all for top player of the year) and the Doak Walker Award for top running back.

The Alabama offensive line is made up of Cam Robinson, Ross Pierschbacher, Ryan Kelly, Alphonse Tayor Jr. and Dominick Jackson; the offensive line coach is Mario Cristobal.

Photo: Derrick Henry #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a touchdown against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 21, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)