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You can't have a good fake football team without good fake and defensive offensive linemen, and our community of communities is convinced these are the best fake offensive and defensive lines in the country. After tallying the votes sent in by SB Nation's wondrous range of college football blogs, we're pleased to present the first in our Preseason All-America Team series.
Offensive Line
Our own Todd Jones of Roll Bama Roll fame details the leading vote-getter along the offensive line (and one of the three highest vote-getters overall), Alabama's Barrett Jones:
Barrett Jones surprised most observers when named starter at right guard in 2009, but quickly became one of the most valuable players on the Tide roster over the next three seasons thanks to his talent and versatility. After spending two seasons at RG, Jones made a sudden move to left tackle at the conclusion of spring practice in 2011. Jones continued his high level of play, earning the SEC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy, the Outland Trophy, and consensus All-America honors at his new position. Heading into his final year with the Tide, Jones is making another switch to lead the offensive line from the center position, making him one of the most versatile linemen Alabama has ever put on the field. Jones has also been a fine representative of the University of Alabama off the field, earning the ARA Sportsmanship Award and Danny Wuerffel Trophy for his community service and academic achievements.
Left tackle: Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
Left guard: Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
Center: Barrett Jones, Alabama
Right guard: Travis Frederick, Wisconsin
Right tackle: D.J. Fluker, Alabama
Honorable mentions: Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin; Chance Warmack, Alabama; Taylor Lewan, Michigan; Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech; Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma
Defensive Line
Now marvel at the glory of one of my favorite players, LSU's Sam Montgomery, along with And The Valley Shook's Billy Gomila:
With 19.5 tackles for loss, including 11 sacks, in 19 games the last two seasons, "Sonic" Sam Montgomery (a known gamer, said to be obsessed with the Sega character) may be the premier defensive end in college football. After a torn ACL ended 2010 after five games, Montgomery took up where he left off with an all-conference 2011, and is poised for even bigger things this season. His first step can get him by most offensive linemen (he even had two sacks matched up on Alabama's Barrett Jones last November), but if that's not enough he has fantastic technique and hustle that has also made him an excellent run defender. And his 2012 can be even better -- he's continued to add muscle (up to 260 pounds, reportedly), and might even gain a little more explosion another year removed from the knee injury.
End: Sam Montgomery, LSU
Tackle: Kawann Short, Purdue
Tackle: Star Lotulelei, Utah
End: William Gholston, Michigan State
Honorable mentions: Alex Okafor, Texas; Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas; Brandon Jenkins, Florida State; Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina; John Simon, Ohio State
We'll have more to come each day this week, so stay e-tuned.
While we’re here, let’s watch some of the many fine college football videos from SB Nation’s YouTube channel:
