Despite all the chaos that occurred this offseason, the University of Alabama has a tight-knit football team that is prepared to pursue a national championship. After coming up empty in each of the last two years, the Crimson Tide has continuity on its coaching staff, experienced veterans on offense and defense, and a freshmen class that is hungry and wants to contribute.
The Tide performed well through the preseason practice program and got stronger in fall camp.
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As it gears up to open its season versus Missouri on Saturday, members of the media for the Southeastern Conference voted on the SEC Western Division winner, SEC Eastern Division winner and the conference champion via poll.
Upon the results coming out on Wednesday, Alabama was picked to win the SEC West with 660 total points and SEC Championship with 77 votes.
Should it win the title, Nick Saban would grab his seventh SEC Championship since 2009 as Alabama’s head coach.
Along with being picked to win the conference, the Tide had a league-high 13 players named to the Preseason All-SEC team — including eight first-team selections.
First Team
Najee Harris, Running Back
DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver
Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver
Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Line
Landon Dickerson, Offensive Line (right guard)
LaBryan Ray, Defensive Line
Dylan Moses, Linebacker
Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback
*Waddle was also first-team all-purpose player and return specialist
Second Team
Deonte Brown, Offensive Line
Third Team
Mac Jones, Quarterback
Evan Neal, Offensive Line
Landon Dickerson, Offensive Line (center)
DJ Dale, Defensive Line
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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.
