Alabama Football: Tide places three on AP All-American team
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football had three players named to the AP All-American team. Seven SEC schools had a total of 14 All-American selections.
The 2017 AP All-American team includes 14 players from the SEC, including three Alabama football players. Junior Minkah Fitzpatrick was a repeat first-team member at safety. Senior Bradley Bozeman was named second-team at center. Sophomore Jonah Williams was chosen as a third-team tackle.
Among SEC schools, Auburn led the way with four selected players. Senior guard Braden Smith was a first-team pick. Senior kicker, Daniel Carlson was second-team. Juniors Kerryon Johnson (RB) and Carleton Davis (CB) also made the second-team.
Florida had two players chosen, both specialists. Kicker Eddy Piniero and punter Johnny Townsend were both second-team selections. Ole Miss, LSU and Texas A&M each had one player selected. For LSU, redshirt freshman Andraez Williams was named third-team cornerback. Ole Miss sophomore wide receiver A. J. Brown was chosen for the third-team. TAMU safety, senior Armani watts was named as a third-team safety.
CFB Playoff All-Americans
Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Among the other CFB Playoff participants, Clemson had five players selected, Oklahoma three and Georgia two.
Clemson received one first-team position, sophomore defensive end, Clelin Ferrell. The Tigers placed two on the second team, junior defensive tackle, Christian Wilkins and senior linebacker, Dorian O’Daniel. Clemson junior defensive end, Austin Bryant was named to the third-team. Clemson’s lone All-American offensive player was senior guard, Tyrone Crowder, named to the third-team.
The Oklahoma Sooners had two first-team picks, Baker Mayfield (QB) and Mark Andrews (TE). Georgia’s two All-American selections were junior Roquan Smith (LB) to the first-team and senior Isaiah Wynn (OT) to the second team.
Recognition for Tide O-Linemen
The Alabama football offensive line has been maligned this season. The Bozeman and Williams honors provide some vindication. Commenting on the All-American team selections, Bama Insider provided some interesting O-Line stats.
"the Crimson Tide lead the nation in lowest negative play percentage, surrendering a negative play on just 4.3 percent of the Alabama’s rushing attempts. Alabama also leads the SEC in yards before contact with 4.17 yards per carry."
Those stats reinforce a widely held presumption by Alabama football fans who favor a more run-based Crimson Tide attack. However, noting Clemson had three D-Line and one linebacker All-Americans suggests a run-heavy approach might get stuffed in the Playoff semi-final.
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