ESPN names Alabama, Auburn players to mid-season All-America team

As we sit here at roughly the halfway point of the college football season, it’s a good time for contemplation and evaluation.

ESPN made it a point to release its superlatives with the “midseason All-America team,” and, as you may have guessed, it does feature both Alabama and Auburn players. However, none of them show up on the offensive side of the ball.

The Tide had three representatives make the team, including two on defense. It makes sense considering Alabama ranks No. 15 in scoring and total defense in the country, giving up just 4.47 yards per play and just 291.6 yards a game.

Dallas Turner, ESPN says “has been consistent and productive in key situations.” The 6-4, 242-pound junior is the team leader in sacks (seven), tackles for loss (9.5), quarterback hurries (10) and forced fumbles (two). In July, Turner was asked about what he learned from Will Anderson Jr., the NFL draftee and former Alabama star.

Also making the list is defensive back Terrion Arnold, who “has emerged as one of the Tide’s best and most versatile defenders,” per the list. Arnold has made headlines as of late, not just for his play, but for his bear hug of Miss Terry, his on-field talk with Texas A&M receivers and, of course, his ability to survive a butt chewing from coach Nick Saban.

It would hard for any list not to be complete without kicker Will Reichard, who became the SEC’s all-time leader for career points with 486. Saban said Reichard is as good a player at his position as anybody Saban has coached at Alabama.

Auburn, meanwhile is represented by safety Jaylin Simpson, who is second nationally among safeties with four interceptions and is fifth on Auburn with 20 total tackles.

Among the notables is Notre Dame’s Howard Cross III, the son of the former Alabama tight end. For the roster and an honorable mention list, check out ESPN.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.