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SEC superiority was a major theme of PFF’s Preseason All-America list for this coming season, with 12 of the conference’s elite players earning a spot on the prestigious list.
The PFF list came particularly early, with it not even being the summer yet. Not surprisingly, Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams and Crimson Tide left tackle Kadyn Proctor headlined the SEC’s brigade of standouts on the PFF list. Williams had a spectacular freshman season in 2024, piling up 48 catches for 865 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Proctor will once again be a huge key in protection and making sure Alabama’s quarterback has plenty of time to throw to Williams.
Another SEC offensive lineman, Florida center Jake Slaughter, was named to the star-studded preseason team. Texas placed 2 players on the list in edge rusher Colin Simmons and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who will be keys to getting the Longhorns back to the College Football Playoff.
Fellow linebacker Taurean York, who will be a centerpiece of Texas A&M’s defense this fall, made the list along with Aggies right guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams.
Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy was named to the PFF list, with his 89.6 coverage grade in 2024 ranking 2nd among returning Power 4 cornerbacks.
South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart was named to the preseason team after the former 5-star recruit posted a 91.4 pass-rush grade as a true freshman, which was tied for 6th among all edge rushers in the country.
Back to the offensive line, where Missouri left guard Cayden Green earned his way onto the preseason list. Vanderbilt even got a player on the list, with tight end Eli Stowers getting his name on the list after once being a 4-star quarterback recruit.
Finally, Georgia got a player on the list via the special teams, with star punter Brett Thorson being named.
Here is PFF’s complete list:
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
