Putting More Players in the AP Team than Anyone Else

The first team list of the AP-All American team is out and Alabama’s Crimson Tide has three players in it. It becomes the school with the most players in AP All American team.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’ famous song “Sweet home Alabama” would be on the lips of many after the list of the first team of AP All - American was released.

Alabama puts the most players in the AP All American 2008 first team than any other school. Three players have made it to the first team, about 1,000 pounds of linemen. Offensive tackle Andre Smith, listed at 330 pounds, was selected unanimously, he is joined by center Antoine Caldwell and Crimson Tide nose guard Terrence Cody, listed at 365 pounds.

Five players earned honorable mention and praises from the Pro Football Weekly, wide receiver Julio Jones, nose guard Terrence Cody, linebacker Rolando McClain, free safety Rashad Johnson and return specialist Javier Arenas.

Tide’s strong offense line garnered them two selections with left tackle Andre Smith and left guard Mike Johnson. Smith, a consensus first-team All-American, and Johnson spearheaded the left side of the much praised offensive line and helped pave the way for the SEC’s No. 2 rushing offense at 196.5 yards per game and a 125.8 passing efficiency that ranked fourth in the league.

Cody, another consensus first-team All-American from Fort Myers, Fla., played at the middle line of defense and allowed just 78.9 rushing yards per game (fourth nationally). He also helped the Tide rank third nationally in total defense at 256.9 yards allowed per game.

Rashad Johnson, a second-team All-America selection, has developed into one of the finest defense players in college football after accounting for 82 tackles, five tackles for loss (-15), one sack (-7), five interceptions - two of which were returned for touchdowns - and 11 pass break-ups. His 16 passes defended lead the SEC and is tied for 21st nationally.

Sophomore middle linebacker, Rolando McClain, garnered third-team accolades after leading Alabama with 91 tackles and 11.0 tackles for loss (-44). This season he looks to shutdown and opposing threat from the other teams offense. He plays very well under pressure.

Jones was a rookie entering into the season but his performance didn’t show anything of that sort, especially the one in Tuscaloosa, setting school freshman records for receptions (51), receiving yards (847) and touchdowns (4).

Arenas, a second-team All-America selection by Phil Steele, garnered honorable mention for his average 14.42 yards per return to rank second in the SEC and 13th nationally.

The other luminary players to make it to the first team were Laurinaitis, who also became a three-time AP All-American. Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford and star receiver Michael Crabtree joined him on the first team.

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