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Alabama sees five players named to AP All-America teams

Brian Branch makes a tackle against Auburb
Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. received Associated Press First Team All-America honors Monday, while defensive back Brian Branch was named to the second team and Jahmyr Gibbs (AP), Kool-Aid McKinstry (DB) and Jordan Battle (S) each garnered third-team recognition.

 

Will Anderson Jr.

First Team, Linebacker

  • Became the first player since 2012 (Manti Te’o) to sweep the Bronco Nagurski Award, Lombardi Award and Lott Trophy
  • Recorded 51 tackles, including 17 for loss (-72 yards) and 10 sacks (-54 yards), during his junior season
  • Led Alabama in tackles for loss, sacks and quarterback hurries (12)
  • Enters bowl season ranked sixth nationally in sacks and seventh in tackles for loss while leading the SEC in both categories
  • Also contributed a team-high 12 quarterback hurries to go with one pass breakup, a blocked field goal and a 25-yard pick-six

 

Brian Branch

Second Team, Defensive Back

  • AP Second Team All-SEC
  • Recorded 78 tackles on the season, good for third on the Tide
  • Second on team with 10 tackles for loss (-34 yards) including a pair of sacks (-11 yards)
  • Added seven pass breakups, an interception and two quarterback hurries

 

Jordan Battle

Third Team, Safety

  • Coaches First Team All-SEC
  • AP Second Team All-SEC
  • Named a semifinalist for the Lott Trophy
  • Recorded 62 tackles on the year to go with two pass breakups

 

Jahmyr Gibbs

Third Team, All Purpose

  • AP and Coaches Second Team All-SEC, earning the honor at both running back and all-purpose positions
  • Combined for 1,455 all-purpose yards on the season, leading Alabama in rushing, receiving and kick return yards on the season
  • Went for 850 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground this year to lead UA
  • Hauled in 42 receptions on the year that went for 378 yards and three scores, while also compiling 227 kickoff return yards for the year

 

Kool-Aid McKinstry

Third Team, Cornerback

  • FWAA Second Team All-America honoree as a punt returner
  • AP and Coaches First Team All-SEC
  • A standout defender at corner who led UA in pass breakups (12)
  • Has 34 tackles, including two for loss (-16 yards) and one sack (-12 yards)
  • Paces the conference and ranks second in Division I for punt return average at 15.8 yards per return

**This information was acquired from a recent press release from Alabama Athletics.**

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