Alabama football anticipates competing for a Southeastern Conference Championship and making the College Football Playoff next season, but it did have some players make the All-SEC Team.
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Tyler Booker (offensive lineman), Jihaad Campbell (linebacker), and Malachi Moore (defensive back) were first-team selections, while Kadyn Proctor (offensive lineman) was a second-team honoree. Deontae Lawson (linebacker) finished as a third-team choice.
Crimson Tide fans were happy with those were chosen; however, a player was snubbed. Parker Brailsford (center) should be recognized. Cooper Mays (Tennessee) and Jared Wilson (Georgia) respectively made first and second-team at center for the SEC.
Both have their teams in the College Football Playoff, but Brailsford meant more to the Tide than Eli Cox for Kentucky — who made third-team center.
Brailsford, a transfer from Washington, was a newcomer to the SEC and excelled at Alabama against some of the best interior pass rushers in college football. According to Pro Football Focus, a website that breaks down the analytics of college and professional football, Brailsford has a better overall grade and pass-blocking grade than Cox. Brailsford carries an overall mark of 66.4 and pass-blocking mark of 81.2, while Cox has an overall grade of 62.5 and pass-blocking grade of 75.3.
Brailsford increased from 275 to 290 pounds, proving he could bulk up to handle SEC defenders.
He did not allow a sack all season and graded out at 85 percent or better in 12 games as a starter. Brailsford had one bad snap all year for a 9-3 Crimson Tide team that beat three schools ranked in the CFP top 25. He should be on the All-SEC team.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
