Alabama Football’s Ronnie Clark Nominated for Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award
11/29/2017 5:00:00 PM | Football
The Tide running back is among 12 candidates for inspirational honor
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama redshirt junior running back Ronnie Clark is this week's nominee for the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl-Football Writers of America Courage Award, the FWAA announced Wednesday. Clark is the 12th nominee announced by the organization so far this season.
Clark, a redshirt junior for the Tide, has overcome two Achilles tears and health issues within his family to earn playing time for Alabama this season. His mother, Kimberly, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when Clark was 12 years old. With his father gone three-to-four days a week for work as a train conductor, Ronnie became his mother's primary caretaker, even learning to drive before he was 16 so he could run errands. He also took care of his grandmother, who was fighting a brain tumor.
Following his redshirt season in 2014, Clark tore his left Achilles three games into the 2015 season. He then tore his right Achilles just four games into 2016. He has played safety, tight end and running back for the Tide. The Calera, Ala., native has rushed for 107 yards on 21 carries this season, including his first career touchdown in UA's victory over Ole Miss on Sept. 30. As a high school senior, Clark was presented with the USA Today Inspiration Award.
The Courage Award was first presented by the FWAA in 2002. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship. The winner of the award will be included in festivities during Capital One Orange Bowl week and receive his trophy at an on-field presentation.
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