Crimson Tide Again Leads Coaches Preseason All-SEC Team

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The SEC Preseason Coaches All-SEC is filled heavily with Alabama Crimson Tide players. That’s exactly what we like to see.

The SEC’s coaches released their annual All-SEC team selections today and, once again, the Crimson Tide led the way with 7 first-team selections and tied LSU with 13 overall selections.

The defending Conference and National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide is well-represented on the first team; placing O.J. Howard, Cam Robinson, and Calvin Ridley on the offensive side of the ball while Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster, and Eddie Jackson were the Tide’s selections to the defensive side. JK Scott was predicted to be the best punter in the conference.

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Howard, the championship game’s Offensive Player of the Game, surprised some with his decision to return to Alabama for his senior season. It’s assumed that he will see a significantly increased involvement, something the Tide fans have been clamoring for since the big 6’6, 242 lbs. tight end stepped on campus.

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While Howard finished the season in the spotlight, Calvin Ridley was the true breakout star last season, setting the SEC record for receptions while racking up over a thousand yards receiving and 7 touchdowns.

Oct 10, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) catches a touchdown pass against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) catches a touchdown pass against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) reacts during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) reacts during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Robinson has had some off-field issues, but is still predicted to be a dominant force at left tackle for Alabama.

Allen also surprised fans and scouts alike by returning to Alabama for his senior season after an impressive year for the Tide. Many opposing SEC coaches would have preferred the disruptive defensive lineman go to the NFL.

Reuben Foster has made a name for himself as a hard hitter, most notably against Leonard Fournette in 2014. The linebacker is expected to be a leader for the Crimson Tide defense, following in the long tradition of Ragland, Mosley, and company.

Eddie Jackson found his place at safety last season and never looked back. Jackson frightened quarterbacks all year long, snagging six interceptions and returning two of them for touchdowns.

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Tim Williams, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Marlon Humphrey, Alphonse Taylor, Ross Pierschbacher, and Adam Griffith rounded out the selections for the Tide.