The Alabama Crimson Tide will not have two key defenders, linebacker Terrell Lewis and cornerback Trevon Diggs, for the Citrus Bowl.
Head coach Nick Saban told reporters Monday that both players will skip the team’s bowl game.
Neither of these decisions is injury related. Rather, both young stars are looking to stay healthy and prepare for the 2020 NFL Draft.
That said, while it’s a sound business decision for these young men, their absence will be felt by the Crimson Tide defense.
Lewis tallied 21 solo tackles, 11.5 for a loss, six sacks and one fumble recovery appearing in 10 games this season. Diggs piled up 20 solo tackles, three interceptions (including a pick-six) and broke up eight more passes in his final season at Alabama.
While Lewis and Diggs are opting out of the Citrus Bowl, another ‘Bama star has made it clear he will be playing. There are no “right” decisions in this case.