[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 18 (Monday, February 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA NATIONAL CHAMPION FOOTBALL 
                                  TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRADLEY BYRNE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 1, 2016

  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University 
of Alabama football team on winning the College Football Playoff 
National Championship. This marks Alabama's NCAA-record 16th national 
championship.
   As a diehard Alabama football fan, I loved watching this team 
because they played with such a strong competitive spirit and refused 
to be denied. The team was incredibly well-rounded and balanced in all 
three phases of the game. Each week, it seemed like a different player 
would step up and make a big play. That is an important trademark of a 
true team.
   I am especially proud of the players from Southwest Alabama who 
contributed to the team's success. Quarterback Jake Coker is a Mobile 
native who played high school football at St. Paul's Episcopal School. 
In the championship game, Coker threw for over 300 yards and two 
touchdowns. It was a very gritty and impressive effort, just like 
Coker's entire college career.
   Helping to lead the way for Coker and Alabama's Heisman-winning 
running back was former Davidson High School standout Alphonse Taylor. 
As the starting right guard on the offensive line, Taylor and his 
teammates on the offensive line were rewarded for their outstanding 
play by winning the inaugural Joe Moore Award. This award goes to the 
nation's top offensive line each season. It was a well-deserved honor.
   Alabama's run to the national championship was marked by outstanding 
play from the defense. That defense included former Daphne High School 
star Ryan Anderson. Anderson was a dominating force who racked up six 
sacks on the year. He played some of his best football down the stretch 
in the SEC Championship Game and again in the College Football Playoff 
games. I know opposing quarterbacks will be fearing him next season as 
well.
   Mr. Speaker, this Alabama squad played as a team and in a way that 
should make every Alabamian proud. To the players, coaches, support 
staff, and the University of Alabama administration, I want to say 
congratulations and Roll Tide.

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