Forty-four Alabama high school seniors made the initial watch list released Wednesday for the All-American Sports Illustrated 2020 team.
The total was the sixth most of any state on the preliminary list of 1,000 nominees.
Sports Illustrated plans to cut candidates to 250 in October, 99 in November, and then announces a first and second team of 25 each and an honorable mention pool in December.
First team selections will be invited to the SI Sportsman of the Year banquet.
Alabama’s nominations include lead prospect Ga’Quincy McKinstry of Pinson Valley, Auburn commits Armoni Goodwin of Hewitt-Trussville and Lee Hunter of Blount, and Alabama commits Deontae Lawson of Mobile Christian, Ian Jackson of Prattville and Anquin Barnes of Lee -Montgomery.
RELATED: See the complete list of Alabama players and national players.
“The state is once again deep and defense-laden in particular,” said SI football recruiting director John Garcia Jr. “Versatile defenders are always welcome at the highest level, and there are several at linebacker in Alabama with the ones that I’m fascinated by. Guys like Jeremiah Williams (Ramsay), Deontae Lawson, and Ian Jackson can rush the passer, fill a hole, or play in pass coverage (space), and you just don’t see that kind of three losses everywhere. That’s why everyone will play in the SEC. “
Garcia Jr. also said that Gadsden City offensive lineman Rod Orr, who is not engaged at the moment and who does not yet have an offer from Auburn or Alabama, could be a great candidate this fall.
“I think he has a chance to become the best recruit in the state,” he said. “He was one who probably needed some camping effort to get the best deals, but they have come anyway. He is massive, athletic and likes contact, some traits that many Power 5 programs can work with. “
In the coming weeks, SI will present its preseason top 10 for each of the 14 position groups. SI will announce its initial ranking among the best 99 preseason, the SI99, on August 24.
RELATED: Learn about the best prospects for 2021 uncommitted from AL.com
Florida (142) and Texas (129) had the most players on the All-American watch list.
Alabama’s roster included three Power 5 quarterback bouts at Daphne’s Trent Battle (TCU), Gardendale’s Will Crowder (West Virginia), and Fairhope’s Riley Leonard (Duke).
Also included are Alabama roster Thompson WR Sam Reynolds, defensive duo Ramsay of Tim Keenan and Jeremiah Williams, Chickasaw defensive end Barry Davenport, running back Dothan Jaylin White, Blount RB Jarris Williams and QB Lamarcus Brown, Hoover RB Dylan Betts-Pauley, McGill-Toolen WR Jordan Mosley, UMS-Wright S Edwin White, St. Paul center Ivan Shultz, defensive end Dylan Brooks of Handley and the ACA tandem of Kamari Lassiter and Cam Jeffery.
RELATED: See the complete list of nominated Alabama players
