More positive news for Alabama football came via Pro Football Focus.
According to the site that breaks down the analytics of both college and professional football, PFF released its All-American Teams for this season. Despite the Crimson Tide landing only a pair of first-teamers, multiple student-athletes were recognized by the national media outlet.
The duo of Trevon Diggs and Jaylen Waddle were both named for first team.
Diggs, a senior, was awarded at the “flex” position. To pair with his 37 tackles, he totaled eight pass breakups, three interceptions and two touchdowns. Even in a rough performance versus Louisiana State University, Diggs allowed one touchdown and a passer rating of 44.5 to quarterbacks that targeted him in coverage. He will be one of the talented defensive backs to enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
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Waddle, a sophomore, was the lone Tide receiver to be a first-teamer.
He separated himself from Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith with his exploits on special teams. Pro Football Focus could not deny the native Texan a first team spot after his production on punt returns. Waddle was the only player in Football Bowl Subdivision to record 400-plus yards (474), while averaging 25 yards per return. He recorded a 77-yard punt return touchdown against LSU and took a 98-yard kickoff for a score versus Auburn on last week.
When it comes to other players, Tua Tagovailoa, Najee Harris and Landon Dickerson all were honorable mentions on offense. Patrick Surtain II was an honorable mention on defense.
Jeudy was selected a second-teamer at wide receiver, and Smith made third-team.
Jedrick Wills was a third-teamer on the offensive line and Xavier McKinney was awarded third-team safety, despite the massive stats he had.
You can also check football tips and interesting trivia at GameDayr
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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.
