As college football season nears, it is the time of the year for experts to start making their predictions for the 2017 college football season.
Sporting News released its 2017 college football preseason All-Americans choices, with Alabama leading the pack with six selections to the first and second team.
Defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick was the lone Alabama player to make the first team. Fitzpatrick was named first team All-American by the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association and Pro Football Focus last year, in his sophomore season.
He amassed 55 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 6 picks, two pick-sixes and a forced fumble last season. Fitzpatrick will be back at his natural cornerback position for his junior year.
Coming off a season with 83 tackles, 1.5 for losses and 2 interceptions, safety Ronnie Harrison earned a second-team honor for the Tide. Harrison, like Fitzpatrick, will be entering his junior season.
Usually vaunted for their defense, Fitzpatrick and Harrison are the lone members of the Tide to make a team on the defensive side of the ball.
On offense, Alabama is led by running back Bo Scarbrough, wide receiver Calvin Ridley and offensive lineman Jonah Williams. All three were on the second team.
Scarbrough, a junior, is projected to lead the Alabama rushing attack, coming off a season where he rushed for 812 yards on 125 carries. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry and scored 11 touchdowns. Ridley caught 72 balls for 769 yards and 7 touchdowns last year. Williams, a sophomore, is expected to step in at left tackle this season.
JK Scott, Alabama’s punter, rounds out the selections for Alabama. Scott’s 47.2 average on punts last season ranked fourth in the nation and second in the SEC. He’ll be entering his senior season.
Three FSU players made the cut. Tarvarus McFadden and Derwin James, both defensive backs, made the first team for the Seminoles while defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi made the second team. Seven other players in the SEC made Sporting News’ team as well.
