Bleacher Report's 2016 Preseason College Football All-American Team
Even though college football loses a chunk of its star power to the NFL draft each year, there are always established greats who will still suit up for their schools in the fall.
This year, the game is especially blessed with a high number of star players from the 2015 campaign coming back, whether it was by choice or the fact they still haven't had a season as an upperclassman yet. From a rare explosion of superstar running backs to a fantastic group of fearsome defensive backs, top-tier talent can be found all over the country in 2016.
To sort out the best of the best, the college football staff here at Bleacher Report has voted on its annual list of preseason All-Americans. Nineteen people—writers Ben Axelrod, Tyler Donohue, Ed Feng, Justin Ferguson, David Kenyon, Sanjay Kirpalani, Adam Kramer, Brian Pedersen, David Regimbal, Barrett Sallee, Damon Sayles, Brad Shepard, Greg Wallace and Christopher Walsh; video experts Michael Felder, Hunter Mandel and Sean McManus; and editors Eric Bowman and Eric Yates—cast a ballot for their first team.
Each staff member voted for 12 offensive players (including an extra wide receiver), 12 defensive players (including an extra linebacker) and four specialists. All selections counted for one tally apiece, with the top vote-getters taking the first-team spot at their position. Runners-up are also included on the following slides.
Here are the 2016 Bleacher Report preseason All-Americans and some of our writers' and editors' thoughts on the elite playmakers who made the cut.
Quarterback: Deshaun Watson, Clemson
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Votes Received: 17 (out of 19)
In his first full season as Clemson's starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson exceeded even the highest expectations. Watson led the Tigers to a 14-0 start and pushed Alabama's elite defense to the brink in a wild national championship game, all while becoming the founding member of college football's 4,000/1,000 Club.
"Watson defines 'calm, cool and collected,' and he specializes in results," Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles said. "Rarely will you see him rattled in any situation, and his ability to be a closer is what made him such an easy choice as a go-to option when he's on the field. Speed, shiftiness, pocket presence, a solid arm and overall leadership ability: He has everything you want in a quarterback."
Watson finished third in Heisman Trophy voting last season and is the second favorite in the 2016 race, according to Odds Shark. He has the look of a future NFL franchise quarterback and will be the catalyst for what should be an even scarier Clemson offense in 2016. He should be laser-focused on cementing himself as the best quarterback in the country for another championship-contending Tigers team.
Second Team (tie): Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma; and DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame (one vote each)
Running Back: Leonard Fournette, LSU
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Votes Received: 15
Leonard Fournette's freshman season in 2014 was a success, and the 2014 No. 1 overall recruit was much-hyped heading into last season. Then the LSU superstar went above and beyond by rushing for at least 150 yards in each of his first seven games and finding the end zone 15 times during that span.
"In a decorated class of running backs, Fournette stands out because of his size, brute power and the violent nature with which he runs the ball," Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani said. "Put it this way: If you were to poll college defenders on which running back they would least like to meet one-on-one in the hole, chances are Fournette would win in a landslide."
Fournette led the nation in rushing yards per game last season with 162.8—nearly 15 yards more than Heisman winner Derrick Henry—and finished fourth in rushing touchdowns despite playing fewer games than any other player in the top five. He is arguably the best player in college football and will be a human highlight reel again in 2016.
Second Team: Dalvin Cook, Florida State (eight votes)
Running Back: Christian McCaffrey, Stanford
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Votes Received: 11
Christian McCaffrey got attention last season for his record-breaking performance in all-purpose yards. But judging by his work as a running back alone, McCaffrey is one of the elite rushers in the country.
"Christian McCaffrey isn't a goal-line specialist—and that should cover his extensive list of shortcomings," Bleacher Report's David Kenyon said. "Not only is McCaffrey a prolific rusher thanks to his patience and agility, he's such a smart receiver, too. As a route-runner, McCaffrey understands soft spots in the defense and how to put an opponent in the wrong spot. He's the definition of an elite, versatile back."
McCaffrey finished third nationally in rushing yards per game last season behind LSU's Leonard Fournette and Alabama's Heisman-winning Derrick Henry. While he didn't have as many rushing touchdowns as other superstar running backs, he more than made up for it with his 645 receiving yards and five scoring grabs. He can rack up a huge amount of touches and still want more, and his versatility makes him a matchup nightmare.
Second Team: Royce Freeman, Oregon (three votes)
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Wide Receiver: JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC
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Votes Received: 17
College football lost a lot of star receivers to the next level this offseason, but one of its best is still in business at USC. JuJu Smith-Schuster is the only returning Power Five receiver to average at least 100 yards per game last season, and his game could reach new heights in 2016.
"I know we're not supposed to pick All-Americans for attitude—and I am not doing so exclusively—but watch what JuJu Smith-Schuster does after he catches the ball," Bleacher Report's Adam Kramer said. "He seeks out defensive backs, regularly uncorking one of the game's most dangerous stiff arms. Plus, at 6'2" and 220 pounds, he can jump over just about anyone and run past most defensive backs."
The Trojans' new starting quarterback will want to get the ball in Smith-Schuster's hands as much as possible. He found the end zone 10 times last season and accounted for nearly one-third of USC's receptions. Physical, speedy and dominant, Smith-Schuster is college football's best receiver. He's a star in the bright lights of Hollywood and could be the key to getting the Trojans back to where they want to be this year.
Second Team: Christian Kirk, Texas A&M (seven votes)
Wide Receiver: Calvin Ridley, Alabama
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Votes Received: 13
Calvin Ridley made quite an impression as a true freshman for Alabama last season. He led the national champions in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, instantly becoming one of the SEC's premier wideouts.
Ridley's 1,045-yard campaign made him only the fourth Alabama receiver under Nick Saban to reach quadruple digits in receiving. The last two? Amari Cooper and Julio Jones. Ridley is in some fantastic company—and still has room to grow.
"Calvin had a better true freshman season than Cooper had and was the catalyst behind Derrick Henry's Heisman run," Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee said. "When Lane Kiffin realized that Ridley was a threat deep and dangerous in space, he used him in a way that took a ton of pressure off Henry and quarterback Jake Coker. Heading into Year 2, Ridley deserves to be mentioned among the very best receivers in the nation."
Second Team: Corey Davis, Western Michigan (five votes)
Wide Receiver: Mike Williams, Clemson
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Votes Received: Eight
The vote for the third receiver on Bleacher Report's 2016 All-American team was closely contested, and the player who made the cut didn't step onto the field for more than one drive last season.
Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams missed almost all of the 2015 campaign after fracturing his neck early in the Tigers' season opener. The year before, Williams caught 57 passes for 1,030 yards and six touchdowns. He hasn't played a full season with Deshaun Watson yet. But the potential of that combo is so great that Williams is getting plenty of All-American buzz and love from NFL draft experts such as Bleacher Report's Matt Miller:
"My wide receiver man crush for this season will be #Clemson Mike Williams. Back from injury, has elite ball tracking skills.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) August 15, 2016"
Williams has a ridiculous catch radius and thrives on physical contact, making him the perfect go-to receiver for the Clemson offense. On Aug. 2, he told reporters he's 100 percent healthy and will be better than ever in 2016. If that's the case, good luck to any defensive back in his way this fall.
Second Team: Gabe Marks, Washington State (four votes)
Tight End: Jake Butt, Michigan
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Votes Received: 12
The tight end position has a lot of potential this season. Among all the playmakers, Michigan's Jake Butt stood out among the voters.
"While [Alabama tight end] O.J. Howard might have hype on his side, Jake Butt is the most consistent tight end returning to college football," Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod said. "He's not the game-breaker that Howard is, but he's an ideal red-zone target and important piece to a Michigan offense breaking in a new starting quarterback for the second straight season."
After just reaching the 200-yard mark in each of his first two seasons at Michigan, Butt was a go-to weapon under head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2015. He averaged nearly four catches per game and finished with 654 yards and three touchdowns for the 10-win Wolverines. With another offseason to prepare under Harbaugh, Butt is primed for an even bigger year in Ann Arbor as Michigan hunts for a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth.
Second Team (tie): O.J. Howard, Alabama; and Jordan Leggett, Clemson (three votes each)
Center: Pat Elflein, Ohio State
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Votes Received: 12
Pat Elflein's talent is so great that he's getting All-American honors this preseason at a brand-new position. After playing guard, Elflein is moving to centre to help strengthen an Ohio State offense that will largely be made up of first-time starters.
Elflein is a two-time All-Big Ten first team offensive lineman who picked up All-American nods from a couple of publications last season. Now he'll have an even bigger responsibility for the Buckeyes, but all signs indicate he'll make the move without any real hitches.
"Elflein's career got off to a bizarre start in November 2013, when he was thrust into action after starting offensive guard Marcus Hall lost his cool against rival Michigan," Bleacher Report's David Regimbal said. "Since then, he has anchored the interior of Ohio State's line at offensive guard. It'll be his first year playing center, but with his experience, interior blocking skills and strength, it should be a seamless transition."
Second Team: Ethan Pocic, LSU (four votes)
Offensive Guard: Dan Feeney, Indiana
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Votes Received: 14
Indiana isn't used to producing much All-American talent on the football field, but the Hoosiers have a player of that caliber this season in Dan Feeney. Feeney made a name for himself at guard by paving the way for one of the Power Five's most fun offensive attacks.
"Dan Feeney can do it all and has done so with Indiana—the epitome of what you want from an interior offensive lineman," Bleacher Report's Brian Pedersen said. "He's opened holes for three 1,000-yard rushers in the last two seasons, including a 2,000-yarder in 2014, and last year, he didn't allow a sack as Indiana led the Big Ten in passing and total offense."
Feeney is entering his fourth year as a starter and is picking up quite a bit of recognition. He's a cornerstone of a high-powered offense and should be one of the best interior linemen on the board in next year's NFL draft.
Second Team: Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame (five votes)
Offensive Guard: Dan Voltz, Wisconsin
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Votes Received: Seven
The Big Ten dominated the interior line on this year's All-American team, and another player who is making a position switch is expected to thrive in the conference this fall. Dan Voltz started 27 of his 32 games at center in his first three seasons at Wisconsin before a knee injury knocked him out for the final stretch of 2015.
Now Voltz is moving to guard, where he's picked up Outland Trophy buzz and continued his run of recognition in the Big Ten. The Badgers are looking to keep Michael Deiter at center, giving Voltz the opportunity to show off his road-paving skills as a guard on what should be another fantastic Wisconsin offensive line.
No matter where he plays, Voltz is the type of big-time performer who will consistently produce for a program known for its elite line play. Like Pat Elflein, Voltz shouldn't have any problem playing like an All-American one spot over from where he used to line up.
Second Team (tie): Dorian Johnson, Pittsburgh; and Dru Samia, Oklahoma (two votes each)
Offensive Tackle: Cam Robinson, Alabama
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Votes Received: 18
Nearly a unanimous first-team selection, Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson is not only a dominant force at his position but also one of the best players in college football. The Crimson Tide gave him plenty of responsibility as a true freshman in 2014, and he's been as consistent as they come for the back-to-back SEC champions and defending national champions.
"Despite Robinson's arrest over the summer, he's the best tackle in college football," Bleacher Report's Christopher Walsh said. "This will be his third year starting, and he's been able to play through a couple of injuries that would have sidelined most players, making all 29 starts. After helping Derrick Henry win the Heisman Trophy last year, Robinson should be a strong contender for several major awards."
Robinson will be a fixture on most All-American teams heading into the season, and he'll most likely repeat the feat when the regular season comes to a close. In May, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranked him as the No. 6 overall prospect for the 2016 NFL draft for his incredible run-blocking and pass protection.
Second Team: Mitch Hyatt, Clemson (three votes)
Offensive Tackle: Roderick Johnson, Florida State
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Votes Received: Nine
After breaking into the starting lineup late in Florida State's 2014 ACC title campaign, Roderick Johnson became a well-known force at offensive tackle for the Seminoles in 2015. He started every game as a sophomore and won the ACC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy.
In 2016, Johnson will be a leader on a Florida State offense that will return almost every single starter. At 6'7" and 323 pounds, he's an imposing presence on the outside who has already established himself as one of the best pass-blockers in all of college football.
Whether Florida State is springing Dalvin Cook for explosive carries or opening things up for its quarterback to rifle the ball down the field, expect to see Johnson being a key part of the offensive success this fall for a legitimate national championship contender.
Second Team: Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame (three votes)
Defensive End: Myles Garrett (Texas A&M)
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Votes Received: 19 (unanimous)
The only unanimous first-team All-American on this year's Bleacher Report team is none other than Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett. The Aggies superstar edge-rusher broke Jadeveon Clowney's SEC record for most sacks as a freshman in 2014, and no other returning Power Five defender had more sacks than him in 2015.
Garrett recorded 19.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks last season, giving him two dozen sacks in his first two college seasons. At 6'5" and 262 pounds with terrifying quickness, Garrett is a defensive coordinator's dream on the outside and an offensive lineman's worst nightmare. Watch out for another leap from him in 2016 as Texas A&M enters its second season under veteran defensive coordinator John Chavis.
"Garrett is an absolute monster off the edge, has the bend of a seasoned pro and is much better against the run than people give him credit for," Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee said. "The offensive coordinators around the SEC pop in Texas A&M defensive tape during game week and immediately cringe at the thought of having to deal with Garrett for a full 60 minutes."
Second Team: Carl Lawson, Auburn (two votes)
Defensive End: Jonathan Allen, Alabama
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Votes Received: 11
In Nick Saban's championship-winning stint as head coach at Alabama, he hasn't had many sack masters on his elite defenses. That changed last season when Jonathan Allen emerged as a star for the national champions and set the tone for what could be a tremendous senior season.
Allen became the second player in the Saban era to record double-digit sacks in a single season, piling up a dozen for a net loss of 88 yards. He also added 2.5 tackles for loss that weren't sacks as he punctured opposing backfields for big plays time and time again.
The Alabama defensive end had a chance to leave Tuscaloosa and become an early-round NFL draft selection, but he decided to come back to school and lead a stacked Crimson Tide front seven. He's an experienced leader who can consistently wreak plenty of havoc on offensive lines. He'll be a player to watch every single time he steps onto the field for Alabama and its star-studded defense that everyone has come to expect under Saban.
Second Team: Derek Barnett, Tennessee (two votes)
Defensive Tackle: Malik McDowell, Michigan State
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Votes Received: 18
Dominant play in the trenches has long been a running theme of Michigan State football under head coach Mark Dantonio. The leading face of that this season for the Spartans is Malik McDowell, who is entering his second year as a starter at defensive tackle after exploding for a big 2015.
McDowell recorded 13 tackles for loss last season for the Big Ten champions, but numbers don't tell the whole story of his effectiveness. He can take on extra attention from offensive lines and still find a way to pressure the passer or ball-carrier, and his size opens things up for other playmakers on Michigan State's front seven.
"At 6'6", 275 pounds, McDowell is a physically imposing defensive lineman who came into his own as part of the Spartans' ferocious defense," Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani said. "This year, expect him to take the next step and develop into one of the nation's elite defenders. He's an explosive interior lineman who will likely command double-teams and blow up plays with his ability to penetrate the backfield."
Second Team: Lowell Lotulelei, Utah (six votes)
Defensive Tackle: Carlos Watkins, Clemson
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Votes Received: Seven
Clemson has to reload its defense once again for the 2016 season, but it will still be able to rely on one of its top players from last year's run to the national championship game. Defensive tackle Carlos Watkins is back, ready to build on what was a strong All-ACC season for another top-10 defense under coordinator Brent Venables.
As Bleacher Report's Greg Couch wrote, Watkins has come a long way from a tragic car crash in his sophomore year of 2013 that killed one of his friends and kept him off the field for most of the season. In 2014 and 2015, Watkins emerged as a team leader who can make big plays such as his clutch two-point conversion stop against Notre Dame last year.
He decided to stay at Clemson and lead a defense into what should be another title-contending year in Death Valley. Watkins might not get the same eye-popping stats as other defensive stars on this All-American team, but his impact is definitely felt week in and week out for the Tigers.
Second Team: Eddie Vanderdoes, UCLA (three votes)
Linebacker: Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State
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Votes Received: 14
Ohio State doesn't have many returning stars for the 2016 season, but the ones it does have are among the country's best—such as linebacker Raekwon McMillan. The Buckeyes' prized linebacker will be the unquestioned leader of the Ohio State defense this fall after leading the team in tackles and providing great all-around support in 2015.
"Now an established veteran in Columbus, McMillan is primed to become a face of the Buckeyes program following the loss of several NFL talents," Bleacher Report's Tyler Donohue said. "He learned fast during a national championship run in 2014, became a major force in 2015 and is now an unquestioned leader in an Ohio State defense still stocked with studs."
The Georgia native wasted no time in becoming a big-time playmaker as a freshman, and he's quickly become a key player for head coach Urban Meyer. Whether it's coming up to stop the run or shutting down passing plays all over the field, McMillan's the man for the Buckeyes.
Second Team: Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee (five votes)
Linebacker: Devonte Fields, Louisville
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Votes Received: 11
No other player in college football in 2016 had as many tackles for loss last season as Louisville's Devonte Fields. As an edge-rushing specialist, he ripped through offensive lines for 22.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, picking up a dozen quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles in what was a monster first season with the Cardinals.
At TCU in 2012, Fields picked up plenty of honors as he had a double-digit season in both sacks and tackles for loss. In his return to FBS competition last season, Fields became a well-known name again for his ability to hunt down opposing ball-carriers.
"Fields looked every bit of the fantastic playmaker he was at TCU last season for Louisville—and then some," Bleacher Report's Justin Ferguson said. "He consistently racked up the stats and was a consistent force on the edge. Heading into 2016, he should be one of the nation's top defenders and the star of a Louisville linebacking corps that will be among the best in college football."
Second Team: Anthony Walker, Northwestern (five votes)
Linebacker: Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
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Votes Received: 11
Jabrill Peppers officially moved to linebacker this season at Michigan, but it's hard to put a definite label on him. He prefers the term "athlete." And that's the perfect way to describe Peppers, who burst out onto the scene last year—his first full season—with his incredible speed, agility and all-around playmaking ability for the Wolverines.
Peppers played safety, linebacker, quarterback, running back, wide receiver and return man for Michigan last season. This year, he's mainly been focused on shoring up Michigan's linebacking corps and becoming a defensive missile for Don Brown to launch at opponents. Last season, he recorded 5.5 tackles for loss and 10 pass breakups while splitting his time three ways.
The Michigan star will be a constant presence on the field this season, and his potential as a linebacker is incredible. He can drop back into coverage without problem and come up toward the line of scrimmage to make big plays. Although he's at a new position this fall, the Bleacher Report voters see huge things out of this can't-miss athlete.
Second Team: Tim Williams, Alabama (four votes)
Linebacker: Malik Jefferson, Texas
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Votes Received: Nine
Already a household name on Charlie Strong's Texas defense, big things are expected from Malik Jefferson in 2016 after finishing second on the Longhorns in tackles as a true freshman. He did some of everything for Texas in what was a difficult losing season, but he still managed to garner national attention.
Jefferson was one of the biggest gets of the Strong era in recruiting, and it was virtually impossible for the Texas head coach to keep him off the field in 2015. Jefferson's leadership and talent stood out from the beginning, and the hype train has continued to chug along in Austin for him. As a true sophomore this season, he's been picked as the preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year.
The spotlight is shining bright on Jefferson, who is the biggest name on the Longhorns roster—and for good reason. He's the heartbeat of a stingy defense, and he could rack up plenty of big numbers and accolades this fall with a full offseason of preparation under his belt.
Second Team: Kendell Beckwith, LSU (four votes)
Cornerback: Desmond King, Iowa
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Votes Received: 14
The nation's top defensive back from last season, Iowa corner Desmond King, is looking to defend his title in 2016. In 2015, King picked off eight passes—tied for the second most in college football—and was a feared game-changer for a Hawkeye team that went undefeated in the regular season.
"King would have been an early-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, but he decided to return to the Hawkeyes," Bleacher Report's Eric Bowman said. "He's a shutdown, ball-hawking corner and the reigning 2015 Jim Thorpe Award winner. King is far and away the top college cornerback, and Big Ten quarterbacks will fear him this fall."
King is fantastic at baiting quarterbacks into throwing the ball his direction and then making them pay. It'll be tough to replicate the huge numbers he had last year, but there's no doubt King is one of the best defensive playmakers in all of college football for the upcoming season.
Second Team: Jalen "Teez" Tabor, Florida (seven votes)
Cornerback: Jourdan Lewis, Michigan
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Votes Received: 10
Michigan's pass defense last season was the best in the country according to statistics such as yards allowed per attempt, opposing completion percentage and opposing quarterback rating. In large part, the key to that success was the play of Jourdan Lewis, Michigan's top cover corner who shut down opponents week after week.
"Lewis is a human blanket when he lines up against wide receivers," Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles said. "Despite not being the biggest corner, he uses his quickness, instincts and tenacity to make big plays in passing situations. Pass breakups are almost addictive to him. He has the opportunity to show the college football world this year just how versatile he is."
Under new defensive coordinator Don Brown, Michigan has the potential to have a historically great unit in Ann Arbor this season. Lewis will lock things down in the passing game for the Wolverines, who can match up well with any opponent from a defensive standpoint.
Second Team: Adoree' Jackson, USC (six votes)
Safety: Derwin James, Florida State
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Votes Received: 16
Derwin James didn't start every game for Florida State last season. However, his play was spectacular and freakish enough as a true freshman that plenty of people have him penciled in as one of the best defensive players in all of college football.
James was second on Florida State last season in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks as a safety that didn't have a regular starting job until the midway point in the season. He can do it all for the Seminoles. James has at least two more seasons to wow the country, and the sky is the limit for this young superstar.
"I am not sure there is a more terrifying player in football, and thankfully we have at least two more years of watching James play," Bleacher Report's Adam Kramer said. "The impact he had as a freshman was so extraordinary, picking him as an All-American was relatively simple. He can cover, he can hit and he can single-handedly change a game from a position where such possibilities are rare. He's special."
Second Team: Marcus Maye, Florida (five votes)
Safety: Budda Baker, Washington
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Votes Received: 11
Budda Baker is the face of the Washington hype machine this offseason, at least from a defensive perspective. But while the Huskies offense is expected to become elite this season with its returning young talent, Baker has made sure the defense is already fantastic.
The Huskies had the top defense in the Pac-12 last season, and Baker was a huge reason for that success. While his statistics won't necessarily blow fans away, his impact on every single game was evident as he patrolled the center of the Washington defense with tremendous pass-coverage skills. This year, he's bigger, stronger and eyeing a potential All-American run on a Huskies team getting some Pac-12 title hype.
Together with star cornerback Sidney Jones and the versatile Darren Gardenhire, Baker will lead one of the nation's fiercest secondaries into the 2016 season. He's the last line of defense at safety, and opponents find it nearly impossible to get past this quick-twitch Husky star.
Second Team: Jamal Adams, LSU (four votes)
Kicker: Andy Phillips, Utah
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Votes Received: Seven
Special teams play has been a defining characteristic of head coach Kyle Whittingham's tenure at Utah. In kicker Andy Phillips, Whittingham has undoubtedly one of the best overall special teams weapons in college football.
Phillips has rewritten the record books in his first three seasons at Utah, where he's been a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award each year. Last season, he hit 85.2 percent of his field goals and only missed from distances of 45 yards or longer. He was clutch in big spots for the Utes and automatic on extra points.
When Utah gets into opponent territory, there's a great chance it's going to put some points on the board. Phillips has been one of the most accurate kickers in the country through his first three years, and he'll be a surefire contender for the Groza again this season as a top-tier specialist.
Second Team: Daniel Carlson, Auburn (five votes)
Punter: JK Scott, Alabama
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Votes Received: Nine
As a freshman, JK Scott led the entire nation in punt average and became sort of a cult hero in Tuscaloosa for the SEC champion Alabama Crimson Tide. Last year, he got off to a slower start but finished at a ridiculously high mark, averaging 45 yards or more per boot in six of his last nine games.
Scott makes Alabama's defense even more terrifying with his ability to flip the field in an instant and pin opponents deep. Going up against the Crimson Tide's star-studded defense is tough enough, but Scott is a weapon all on his own with his ability to put opponents in the shadow of their own goal posts.
The Alabama punter is great at making punts stay inside the 20-yard line and forcing fair catches from frustrated return men. The Crimson Tide usually get the best of the best for their football program, and that definitely includes the punting game.
Second Team: Cameron Johnston, Ohio State (four votes)
Kick Returner: Evan Berry, Tennessee
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Votes Received: Eight
Tennessee's Evan Berry was the most dangerous return man in college football last season by average, and he held that title by a decent margin. He averaged an astonishing 38.29 yards per kick return—with three touchdowns for the Volunteers—and was nearly five full yards better than the second-best player in that category.
When Berry has the ball in his hands, Neyland Stadium and any opposing venue is forced to hold its breath. Even if he doesn't score on a kick return, there's an overwhelming chance he's going to give the Tennessee offense some fantastic field position. Now a year older, Berry is ready to put the rest of the country on notice again.
"He has an uncanny field vision, the ability to hit seams and that second gear once he gets in the open field," Bleacher Report's Brad Shepard said. "Some people just have a gift when it comes to kick returning, and Berry absolutely does. He may never be the defender his All-Pro brother Eric is, but he's a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball."
Second Team: Christian McCaffrey, Stanford (five votes)
Punt Returner: Ryan Switzer, North Carolina
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Votes Received: Five
The vote for the top punt returner spot in this year's All-American team featured a lot of noteworthy candidates, but the most picks went to the player who is on the verge of breaking an all-time FBS career record for punt return touchdowns.
North Carolina wide receiver and return man Ryan Switzer took an astonishing five punts back for touchdowns as a freshman in 2013, averaging a monstrous 20.92 yards per run back. After a quieter 2014, Switzer got in range of the all-time record by taking two back for six points each on just 22 returns.
Switzer's next touchdown on a punt return will tie him for the most ever with Antonio Perkins and Wes Welker. Opposing punters can't avoid him forever, and there's a great chance he makes history this fall for the Tar Heels. His vision and shiftiness are some of the best college football has ever seen from a return man, and he's a deserving first-teamer here.
Second Team: Christian McCaffrey, Stanford (three votes)
All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Stats courtesy of CFBStats.com. Recruiting rankings courtesy of 247Sports.
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