The Dallas Cowboys cornerback led the NFL and tied a franchise record with 11 interceptions on his way to earning First-Team All-Pro honors for the 2021 season. Trevon Diggs was named the Pro Athlete of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association on Monday.
Diggs joins Julio Jones, Cam Newton, Derrick Henry, Philip Rivers, Shaun Alexander, and others to win the award. Diggs is the fifth product of Nick Saban and his program to capture the honor in the last six seasons.
This type of success was not expected when Diggs transitioned from wide receiver to defensive back. In his senior season with the Crimson Tide, Diggs was a third-team AP All-American and second-team All-SEC after intercepting three passes and tying for the team lead with eight pass breakups. He also registered 37 tackles and two fumble recoveries, including a 100-yard score.
Diggs was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Diggs’ 11 interceptions last season is the fourth-highest total by any player in the Super Bowl era.
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There is room for Diggs to grow, especially in his coverage skills. His interceptions will remain valuable, and he will get his being a ball hawk. Diggs will give up some yardage, but that is the type of player he has become. Dan Quinn will press him to be patient at times. Not every ball is going to be an interception. Although some work in his favor, he needs to learn to hold off at times.
I am a fan of Diggs, he changed many games for Dallas last year, and his totals won’t be as high next season, but that is a given, 11 interceptions is tough no matter the player. He will still make an impact but expect him to not take as many gambles while trying to be one step ahead of the offense.
