TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Head coach Nick Saban has proven his dominance for a ninth straight season in fielding his roster with talent and leadership across the board. Alabama football had 11 players selected to the Coaches All-SEC Teams on Tuesday, including seven first-team honorees.
Cam Robinson, ArDarius Stewart and Jalen Hurts made the list on offense.
Behind Robinson at left tackle, the Crimson Tide is 15th nationally in total offense (471.3 ypg) while being eighth in rush offense (245 ypg) and 11th in scoring offense (40.5 ppg). The Monroe, La., native has blocked for 10 100-yard rushers, and aided Hurts to a productive year. Stewart leads the team in receiving yards (852) and touchdown (eight), while accounting for 52 catches. He’s totaled four 100-yard games this season, including three against conference teams. Even with some mistakes, Hurts has exceeded expectations. The freshman has achieved numerous records, however, his best statistic is being responsible for 34 touchdowns in a season.
Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster and Minkah Fitzpatrick were recognized on defense.
The combination of Allen and Foster on Alabama’s defensive front is lethal. Both players spearhead the nation’s top scoring defense (11.8 ypg), rush defense (63.4 ypg) and efficiency defense (98). The Tide is third in total defense (248 ypg) and sack with 45 on the season. Fitzpatrick has served at both star and safety in the secondary. He has 54 total tackles, including 5.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks. The sophomore leads the team in interceptions (five) and pass breakups (seven), while being tied for the lead in defensive touchdowns with two.
JK Scott rounds out the first-team list on special teams. The Denver, Colo., native has averaged 47.7 yards per punt on 46 attempts. He booted 23 balls in excess of 50 yards, with his longest punt traveling 66 yards.
Seventeen of his tries have pinned opponents inside its 20-yard line, while 16 of them resulted in either touchbacks or fair catches. Listed below are Alabama’s second-team selections on the SEC Coaches Team.
Alabama standouts on second team list
WR Calvin Ridley
TE O.J. Howard
LB Tim Williams
DB Eddie Jackson
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
