5 Things We Learned from the AP All-American Teams

Well, the All-American teams have been announced, and it is safe to say that the deserving and right players were chosen.

In the 48th annual selections, there were a few young freshmen that were selected (two) and as always is the case, certain conferences flexed their muscles. However, there are five things we should all be aware of with the 2011 All-Americans that have been selected by the Associated Press.

LSU Keeps Writing the Book

For the first time in the history of the selections (1964), two defensive backs from the same squad made the First-Team.

Morris Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu are both the top corners in the nation, and they have been freaks all season. The secondary is all-pro, as safety Eric Reid fell short of the All-American teams, but he may grab such a prestigious award in the near future.

Will Blackwell made the team on the offensive line (Second Team), punter Brad Wing made First Team All-American and defensive end Sam Montgomery made Third Team despite just being a sophomore.

Alabama Is as Talented as Ever Before

Six players in total were selected to the All-American teams, with four of them of making it on the First Team.

Trent Richardson won the Doak Walker and was joined by Montee Ball in the backfield. Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones was joined by Dont’a Hightower and Mark Barron, who were just two of the many superstars the Tide have on defense.

Courtney Upshaw is arguably just as productive as Hightower (if not more so), and he was named to second team with defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick.

All of the All-American awards are useless if they cannot play like such against LSU in the BCS National Championship, but the Tigers have a few studs of their own.

The SEC Is Still Dominant

The SEC continues to have superstars perform on the national spotlight, as they had nine First-Team All-Americans with six of them on defense.

The entire secondary was filled with hard hitters and speed demons, as Morris Claiborne, Tyrann Mathieu, Bacarri Rambo and Mark Barron all made the cut.

Up front, Melvin Ingram, Jarvis Jones and Dont’a Hightower also made it, but the Second and Third Teams featured a few stars as well.

Punter Brad Wing (First Team), Sam Montgomery (Third Team), Joe Adams (All-Purpose, Second Team), Courtney Upshaw (Second Team), Dre Kirkpatrick (Second Team), Antonio Allen (Second Team), Cordy Glenn (Third Team) and Fletcher Cox (Third Team) all represented the SEC well, putting the total number at 24!

The Big Ten Have Studs Up Front

Whitney Mercilus, Jerel Worthy and Devon Still all made the First Team, as they were beasts all season for their respective teams. David Molk (center) and Kevin Zeitler (guard) both made First Team, but Peter Konz (Second Team) and John Simon (Third Team) made the Big Ten proud. Most “experts” say the SEC is dominant in the trenches, but it is the Big Ten that has dominated college football.

The amount of playmakers or overall speed may be a step behind still (who isn’t behind the SEC?), but Montee Ball is having a decent season (39 TDs enough?).

Talent Coming Back in 2012

There are a few selections who will likely enter the NFL draft: Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, Matt Kalil, Trent Richardson, Jerel Worthy, Dont’a Hightower. However, players such as Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Manti Te’o, Sam Montgomery, Ronnie Hillman, Gabe Ikard and Tavon Austin will give us an even more exciting 2012 season.

Plus, players such as Jarvis Jones, Dwayne Allen and Luke Kuechly could perhaps return, though, the game will have no issues if they decide to play on Sundays sooner than later.