The Football Writers Association of America announced a new college football award named after former Alabama running back Shaun Alexander on Monday morning.

The first Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award will be presented to the top player on the FWAA's Freshman All-America Team at the end of the 2018 season.

"The FWAA is very excited about this new award because of the person it represents," FWAA Executive Director Steve Richardson said in a release. "It is very significant because Alexander also was an outstanding redshirt freshman for the Crimson Tide. His freshman season paved the way for future successes at Alabama and later in the NFL.

"Shaun did it all with class, character and enthusiasm."

Among other things, the recipient will be presented with a gold coin emblematic of this prestigious award. The traits associated with the award are displayed on one side of the coin: "Ambassador, Legend, Faith, Passion, Talent, Focus, Character, Leader". On the other side of the coin, the phrases "Carry the Coin" and "Finish the Game" are inscribed.

Alexander, a three-time Pro Bowl running back with the Seattle Seahawks, played for the Crimson Tide from 1996-1999. He set a school record during his redshirt freshman season with 291 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the Tide’s 29-0 victory over LSU at Tiger Stadium.

He finished his college career with 3,565 yards rushing (41 touchdowns), 798 receiving yards (eight touchdown receptions) and one kickoff return for a touchdown while at Alabama.

Alexander then continued his outstanding success in the NFL, rushing for 9,453 yards and scoring 112 total touchdowns, fifteenth most in NFL history. In 2005, he led the league in rushing and was named the NFL Most Valuable Player.

"It is an honor to have my name associated with the Freshman Player of the Year Award, issued by an organization as well-respected as the Football Writers Association of America," Alexander said. "I remember what it felt like when I started playing college football, hoping that I’d excel when my number was called to make my parents, family, and community proud. Today's college freshmen are no different. I wish them all well and hope that the future winners of this Award, those who demonstrate talent, character, and the desire to be great, will carry these traits with them throughout their careers, both on and off the field."

The recipient of the award will be revealed by Alexander at the FWAA's Annual Awards Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 7 in San Jose, California in conjunction with the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game in nearby Santa Clara.