As the University of Alabama football team goes through its second full week of fall practice, Sports Illustrated released its preseason All-America Team on Wednesday – which included three Crimson Tide players.
Juniors Calvin Ridley and Minkah Fitzpatrick were both first-team selections.
After totaling a 1,000-yard season during his freshman year, Ridley brought in a team-high in receptions (72) in 2016, while posting 769 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. With quarterback Jalen Hurts having a year under his belt, more in store for Ridley this season.
Fitzpatrick has seen action at both star (nickel and dime) and safety through two years under Alabama head coach, Nick Saban.
He holds the school’s career mark in pick-sixes (four), and has collected 111 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 18 pass breakups and eight interceptions.
Senior punter JK Scott landed on SI’s second-team list for specialists.
He averaged 47.2 yards per punt last season, while 42.2 percent (27 of 64) of his boots were not returned. Scott registered 29 attempts that traveled in excess of 50 yards, and finished second nationally with seven 60-yard punts.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
