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Why Alabama center was snubbed from All-SEC team?

Photo comes via USA Today Sports

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.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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