ESPN's Chris Low was kind enough to post his ballot for preseason All-SEC, and since I don't want to be accused of potentially providing extra motivation for Tim Tebow, I figured I should post mine as well. The results will be announced Friday morning.
OFFENSE
QB -- Tim Tebow (Fla)
TE -- DJ Williams (Ark)
OL -- Cyron Black (LSU)
OL -- John Jerry (Miss)
OL -- Mike Johnson (Ala)
OL -- Clint Boling (UGA)
C -- Josh McNeil (Tenn)
WR -- AJ Green (UGA)
WR -- Julio Jones (Ala)
RB -- Charles Scott (LSU)
RB -- Michael Smith (Ark)
DEFENSE
DL -- Geno Atkins (UGA)
DL -- Greg Hardy (Miss)
DL -- Carlos Dunlap (Fla)
DL -- Terrence Cody (Ala)
LB -- Rennie Curran (UGA)
LB -- Eric Norwood (SC)
LB -- Brandon Spikes (Fla)
DB -- Eric Berry (Tenn)
DB -- Trevard Lindley (UK)
DB -- Joe Haden (Fla)
DB -- Myron Lewis (Vandy)
SPECIAL TEAMS
K -- Leigh Tiffin (Ala)
P -- Chas Henry (Fla)
Ret -- Brandon James (Fla)
SEC EAST
1.) Florida
2.) Georgia
3.) Kentucky
4.) Vanderbilt
5.) South Carolina
6.) Tennessee
SEC WEST
1.) LSU
2.) Alabama
3.) Ole Miss
4.) Arkansas
5.) Auburn
6.) Mississippi State
CHAMPION: Florida
Hey, I like to be original, but I'm not stupid. Florida deserves to be the preseason pick. I'm far from convinced they'll be the last team standing at year's end, but preseason polls are all about what's on paper, and the Gators are awfully good on paper.
Beyond that, I picked Tennessee last for two reasons: They have no clue about the quarterback position, and their coach has put a target on their backs. That's a bad combination, and I think the Vols will not only be overmatched on paper, but they're also going to get every team's best shot.
I think the SEC West could realistically go to any of the top four teams, but I think if each plays to their potential, LSU has the best team. I'd be surprised if any of them finished with fewer than two SEC losses, but I think there's a good chance that the winner is every bit as good as Florida.
Among the individual players, I doubt I created much controversy with my picks. I'm perhaps being a bit locally bias with my selection of Clint Boling on the offensive line, but given all he did last year, I think it's a spot well earned. And if he can settle into one position this season and be flanked by a healthy group around him, I have no doubt he'll make my pick look like a smart one.
So, what about you guys? Think I'm an idiot? Have other ideas? Let's hear 'em.
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2 comments:
I like your picks, but I would have definately added Jeff Owens to the D list.
On the rankings, it doesn't really matter what anybody thinks, but I believe that Ole Miss will be overrated. For the East, I think you have Kentucky and Vandy ranked too high, and South Carolina and Tennessee too low. This is what I would put:
Florida
Georgia
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vanderbilt
Kentucky
Tennessee's strongest point is their defense. If they can find some way to score points, then they will win more than what you think (although I'm rooting for a 0-12 season)
I don't think leaving off the likes of Georgia's injured players like Owens and Sturdivant is a big omission...these guys might return to form and be post-season first team guys but I just don't think you can put them out there preseason.
Your one glaring omission would have to be Rolando McClain from 'Bama. The guy is hands down the best 'backer in the SEC and I'd definitely have him on there ahead of Norwood. I've always felt Norwood was a little overrated as an lb and his best year was two years ago while still at end. Other than the McClain slip though, I think your other picks are defensible. Keep up the good work!
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