Crimson Red Sports

Program director David Bowen said the club typically chooses an athlete who has not only performed well on the field but has also displayed strong academics and character. As well, the club also tends to favor athletes that might not have received as much recognition as they were due.

"We look toward the guy who maybe doesn't have all the accolades but serves some," Bowen said. "Last year, we picked (Auburn lineman) Ryan Pugh, instead of Cam Newton. It's kind of subjective as far as criteria, but we don't always just pick the guy who has already won every award there is to win."

Smelley finished as Alabama's second-leading receiver in a national championship season last year with 34 receptions for 356 yards. His four touchdown catches led the team. The senior was especially active in the Alabama passing game late in the season, pulling in half his catches (17) for 183 yards and three scores over Alabama's last three games against Georgia Southern, Auburn, and finally LSU in the BCS National Championship Game.

I think he may have been the most under rated player on the team.