2013 College Football Predictions: Preseason Second-Team All-American Offensive Players: The 2013 college football season is here, and while I have already given my selections for the First-Team All-Americans on the offensive side of the ball, there are so many great players in the country that highlighting only 12 seems wrong. With that in mind, I have added my picks for Second-Team All-Americans on the offensive side of the ball. These players might not be the preseason favorites to take home individual awards at the end of the year, but they are certainly talented enough to become the best players at their positions when all is said and done. At the very least, they are worth keeping an eye on.
Quarterback: Braxton Miller, Ohio State Buckeyes
He makes explosive plays with his arm and his legs, and he was the centerpiece of the offense for an OSU team that went undefeated last year. With even more weapons around him in 2013, the Heisman Trophy isn’t out of the question.
Running Back: Todd Gurley, Georgia Bulldogs
He powered through SEC defenses as a freshman last year, scoring 17 times and topping 1,300 yards. Gurley was also remarkably consistent, scoring in 11 of Georgia’s 13 games and logging nine 100-yard efforts.
Wide Receiver: Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt Commodores
Matthews is one of the most polished receivers in the country, and he 94 catches for more than 1,300 yards last year to prove it. Meanwhile, he saved some of his best performances for top competition, recording 100-yard games against South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Wide Receiver: Sammy Watkins, Clemson Tigers
While he took a step back last year after a 12-touchdown campaign as a true freshman, Watkins’ off-the-field issues and early suspension clearly took a toll on his production. He has behaved himself this offseason, and a monstrous rebound year is likely on tap.
Tight End: Chris Coyle, Arizona State Sun Devils
Coyle exploded in his first year as a starter, proving to be one of the steadiest, sure-handed tight ends in the country. His 57 catches were the third most of any playerat the position, and his 696 yards also ranked in the top five nationally.
Center: Travis Swanson, Arkansas Razorbacks
Head coach Brett Bielema has raved about Swanson, and considering Beilema coached first-round pick Travis Frederick at Wisconsin last year, that is saying something. More importantly, Bielema’s love of a physical run game will allow Swanson to show his stuff.
Offensive Tackle: James Hurst, North Carolina Tarheels
Hurst was the quiet anchor of an explosive North Carolina offense, opening holes for speedy rusher Giovani Bernard and stopping opposing pass-rushers in their tracks. He is one of the best in the country at the tackle spot and easily the ACC’s best at the position.
Offensive Tackle: Tiny Richardson, Tennessee Volunteers
Richardson has been one of the few bright spots for the Volunteers in recent years. At 6’6” and 330-plus pounds, he obviously has the size and strength to hold down his side of the pocket. However, it is his footwork that makes him special and allows him to fend off the endless list of fierce SEC pass-rushers.
Offensive Guard: Spencer Long, Nebraska Cornhuskers
While quarterback Taylor Martinez has played a major role in the success of Nebraska’s high-powered ground attack, it certainly helps to have a guy like Long paving the way. Plain and simple, he mauls defenders in the trenches and might be the best run blocker in the country.
Offensive Guard: Anthony Steen, Alabama Crimson Tide
Steen didn’t get as much hype as some of his fellow offensive linemen last year, but he played a big part in powering Alabama’s unstoppable ground attack. By the way, he didn’t allow a single sack all year either.
Kicker: Jeff Budzien, Northwestern Wildcats
In his first year as a starter, Budzien converted 19 of his 20 field goal attempts. More importantly, his only miss came from beyond 50 yards so he has made all the kicks he is supposed to make.
Special Teamer: Stefon Diggs, Maryland Terrapins
He flashed plenty of explosiveness as a freshman last year, topping 900 yards from scrimmage and 900-plus in the return game, as well. Diggs is a touchdown waiting to happen whenever he gets his hands on the ball.
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