The final piece of rat poison for Nick Saban to sift through came Tuesday via the Associated Press, as the publication released its preseason All-American Teams.
Regardless of this list not being flooded with University of Alabama football standouts, five Crimson Tide players were mentioned – including a pair of offensive linemen. True junior Jonah Williams and redshirt senior Ross Pierschbacher represent the program as first-team selections.
Williams, two-year starter at offensive tackle, enters this season with 29 starts at both tackle positions. He has solidified himself as the starter at left tackle for this season, while clearing the way for 17 100-yard rushing performance in his career. Williams received first-team All-American honors for his efforts as a freshman and built on his success in 2017.
He blocked for two straight 1,000-yard campaigns for senior running back Damien Harris and allowed just 2.5 sacks and eight quarterback hurries in 831 snaps. With the offense the Tide is projected to have in the fall, Williams looks to set himself up as a first-round NFL draft pick.
Pierschbacher, a three-year starter at left guard, will start at center for the first time during his tenure. Coming from Iowa, the former four-star set the edge for three 1,000-yard rushers, with ex-Alabama back Derrick Henry turning in a 2,000-yard season in 2015 behind Pierschbacher.
The 6-foot-4, 309-pounder learned from Ryan Kelly (Rimington Trophy winner, 2015) and Bradley Bozeman (sixth-round pick), but now he wants to etch his name among the elite, versatile linemen in Tide history.
Alabama also had the trio of Damien Harris, defensive end Raekwon Davis and linebacker Lyndell “Mack” Wilson make the AP All-American Team. Harris was recognized on offense for the second team, and the duo of Davis and Wilson were nominated for second-team defense.
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 @CoachingMSmith.
