2012 College Football Preseason First-Team All-American Offensive Players: Being named a First-Team All-American is one of the biggest honors that a college football player can earn. With the thousands of players that suit up every year, only a small percentage become All-Americans, and even a smaller percentage become First-Team All-Americans. The honor is reserved for the elite of the elite, and with the 2012-13 season drawing closer, here are my preseason First-Team All-Americans selections on the offensive side of the ball.
2012 NCAA Football Preseason First-Team All-American Offensive Players
Quarterback: Matt Barkley, USC Trojans
The Heisman frontrunner’s 39 touchdowns last year were the third most in the country and the most of any returning QB. With the best receiver tandem in college football at his disposal, Barkley could easily lead USC to a national title before becoming the likely No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft.
Running Back: Montee Ball, Wisconsin Badgers
Last year, Ball led the country in rushing yards (1,923) and rushing touchdowns (33). He also tied Barry Sanders’ single-season record for total touchdowns with 39. His encore performance should be fun to watch.
Running Back: Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina Gamecocks
His Heisman Trophy campaign was derailed by a knee injury last season, but the bruising workhorse will be back with a vengeance this season. Lattimore will be breaking tackles and probably some school records all season.
Wide Receiver: Robert Woods, USC Trojans
Coming off a 111-catch season, the most-polished route runner in the country should have a huge year as Matt Barkley’s top target.
Wide Receiver: Sammy Watkins, Clemson Tigers
He impressed enough in his freshman year to be named a First-Team All American, and Watkins deserves some preseason love before his sophomore season begins. Even if he ends up being suspended a game or two for his off-field transgressions, he will make up for lost time with his big plays.
Tight End: Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Eifert is the best offensive weapon at the tight end position in the country. He had 63 catches for more than 800 yards last season, and he put up those numbers with less than stellar quarterback play.
Center: Barrett Jones, Alabama Crimson Tide
He won the Outland Trophy last season as the country’s best offensive lineman as a left tackle. He will continue to pave the way for the Crimson Tide offense at his new position as the leader of the best offensive line in the country.
Offensive Tackle: Alex Hurst, LSU Tigers
The Tigers love to pound opponents into submission with the ground game, and no matter which of their four running backs is toting the rock, the 340 pound Hurst will be the one creating the rushing lanes.
Offensive Tackle: Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M Aggies
Joeckel is one of the more athletic tackles in the country, and his above average speed for his size should serve him well as the Aggies prepare for their first year in the SEC. It should also help that Joeckel spent a few seasons trying to block last year’s NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Von Miller in practice.
Offensive Guard: Chance Warmack, Alabama Crimson Tide
He is on the same offensive line as the defending Outland Trophy winner, but Warmack is still widely considered the best lineman in the country. That’s how good this guy is.
Offensive Guard: Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina Tarheels
Cooper is under the radar for sure, but amid all the upheaval left by the Butch Davis regime, the senior has been a reliable force on the Tarheels’ line. He helped a true freshman running back top 1,300 yards last year and is considered one of top two prospects at the guard position by most NFL scouts.
Kicker: Dustin Hopkins, Florida State Seminoles
He was a finalist for the Lou Groza Award last season, hitting 22 of his 27 field goal attempts and finishing second in the country in touchback percentage. Hopkins has always had a strong leg, and his 55-yard game-winning field goal against Clemson last year solidified his status as a clutch kicker.
Special Teamer: De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon Ducks
I basically made up this position to put Thomas on my All-American team. He is arguably the fastest and most-explosive player in the country, and last year, he scored multiple touchdowns rushing, receiving and returning kicks. In short, Thomas is a big play waiting to happen.
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