In the Associated Press’ All-America team released Monday, Alabama had three players named to the second team and two more named to the third team.
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith, offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. and all-purpose player Jaylen Waddle were the second-team selections. Smith’s 1,200 receiving yards is seventh in the nation this season and his 13 touchdowns are tied for fifth. Wills, according to UA, missed seven assignments in his 714 snaps this season. Waddle was the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year by leading the nation with 24.9 yards per punt return.
Cornerback Trevon Diggs and safety Xavier McKinney were the third-team selections. Diggs has three interceptions this season and has scored twice, once on an 84-yard interception return and another on a 100-yard fumble return against Tennessee. McKinney leads UA with 85 tackles, to go along with 4 1/2 tackles for a loss, two sacks, four forced fumbles, three interceptions and five pass breakups.
McKinney was a first-team All-American in ESPN’s team released later Monday.
UA also had five players on the Sporting News All-America team, including Waddle on the first team as a returner. Diggs, McKinney, Wills and Smith were all on the second team.
On the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) teams released Wednesday morning, two UA players were first-team All-Americans (Jeudy and offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood) and four more were on the second team (Wills, McKinney, Diggs and defensive lineman Raekwon Davis).
The FWAA’s All-America team, released Thursday, only had one UA player across the two teams: Waddle as the first-team punt returner.
