Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
4 Alabama + Auburn football players make ESPN’s midseason All-America team
Reading time: 3 minutes
The first half of football season has soared past us, which means it’s time for the unveiling of ESPN’s midseason All-America team. Four players from Alabama and Auburn (plus one “honorable mention”) made the cut—three on defense and one on special teams (Alabama fans, you can guess who).
Dallas Turner—Alabama
Filling a defensive end/edge position on the team is Alabama’s Dallas Turner.
“With Will Anderson Jr. off to the NFL, Turner has stepped up as Alabama’s top defender and is playing at an elite level. He has been consistent and productive in key situations. The 6-4, 242-pound junior is the team leader in sacks (seven), tackles for loss (9.5), quarterback hurries (10) and forced fumbles (two) on a defense ranked in the top 15 nationally in scoring and total defense.”
ESPN
Terrion Arnold—Alabama
Terrion Arnold from Alabama is a cornerback for the team, and ESPN sang his praises.
“Coming into the season, Kool-Aid McKinstry was the Alabama cornerback getting most of the publicity, but Arnold has emerged as one of the Tide’s best and most versatile defenders. He moved over to the hybrid ‘star’ position last week against Arkansas with Malachi Moore out with an injury. A basketball star in high school, Arnold leads Alabama with four pass breakups and has four tackles for loss.”
ESPN
Will Reichard—Alabama
Alabama fans won’t be surprised to see their top-notch kicker on special teams.
“The SEC’s all-time leader for career points with 486, Reichard is perfect on kicks this season. He has made all 13 of his field goal attempts, including six from 40-plus yards (with a long of 51 yards), and has also made all 21 of his extra-point attempts. Nick Saban said Reichard has probably been as good a player at his position as anybody Saban has coached at Alabama.”
ESPN
Jaylin Simpson—Auburn
In one of the safety positions is Auburn player Jaylin Simpson.
“Formerly a cornerback, Simpson has blossomed as a safety in Ron Roberts’ defense. The 6-1, 178-pound senior is second nationally among safeties with four interceptions and is fifth on Auburn with 20 total tackles. Simpson’s 90.3 coverage grade leads all safeties, according to Pro Football Focus, and he hasn’t allowed a touchdown in 160 coverage snaps.”
ESPN
The “honorable mention” for this position was Alabama’s Caleb Downs.
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