SI's 2012 PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAM
Trojan playmakers, Crimson Tide big uglies, Bayou B engals defenders and a pair of Fighting Irishmen who bypassed the NFL to return to school are among college football's best and brightest
OFFENSE
Matt Barkley
QB, SR., USC
Early Heisman favorite threw for 3,528 yards, 39 TDs and only seven INTs in 2011.
Montee Ball
RB, SR., WISCONSIN
2011 Heisman finalist was last year's top rusher, with 1,923 yards and 33 scores.
Marcus Lattimore
RB, JR., SOUTH CAROLINA
A knee injury cost him half of 2011, but the workhorse is ready to be a star again.
Robert Woods
WR, JR., USC
Barkley's favorite target should build on stellar 2011: 111 catches, 1,292 yards, 15 TDs.
Sammy Watkins
WR, SOPH., CLEMSON
Two-game suspension will make it tough to top last year's 82 catches and 1,219 yards.
Tyler Eifert
TE, SR., NOTRE DAME
The Irish's top returning receiver (63 catches, 803 yards) will be key for budding unit.
Ricky Wagner
T, SR., WISCONSIN
Two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention made the Outland Trophy preseason watch list.
Jonathan Cooper
G, SR., NORTH CAROLINA
The veteran (35 starts) is a preseason Outland and Lombardi Award candidate.
Barrett Jones
C, SR., ALABAMA
Reigning Outland winner and versatile star will again anchor 'Bama's line.
Chance Warmack
G, SR., ALABAMA
Two-time national champ has started every game since his sophomore year.
Luke Joeckel
T, JR., TEXAS A&M
The 6'6", 310-pound All--Big 12 force should hold up against the SEC's elite D-lines.
Quinn Sharp
K, SR., OKLAHOMA STATE
Made 88% of field goals (with a long of 46) while also excelling as a punter.
Brad Wing
P, SOPH., LSU
Average of 44.4 yards with long of 73 as a freshman made the Aussie an instant star.
DEFENSE
Jadeveon Clowney
DE, SOPH., SOUTH CAROLINA
SEC's top freshman had eight sacks and will now lead the Gamecocks' D.
Kawann Short
DT, SR., PURDUE
All--Big Ten choice (54 tackles and 6½ sacks) captains the Boilermakers' defense.
Star Lotulelei
DT, SR., UTAH
Pac-12's offensive linemen voted him the conference's best D-line player.
Sam Montgomery
DE, JR., LSU
Returning All-America had nine sacks on a D that ranked second nationally in 2011.
Jarvis Jones
LB, JR., GEORGIA
All-America and Butkus Award finalist tied for second in nation with 13½ sacks in '11.
Manti Te'o
LB, SR., NOTRE DAME
A steady force, he unexpectedly returned after dazzling with 128 tackles as a junior.
Chase Thomas
LB, SR., STANFORD
All--Pac-12 LB returns after recording 8½ sacks and five forced fumbles last year.
Johnthan Banks
CB, SR., MISSISSIPPI STATE
Vet is second in Bulldogs history with 12 picks, three of which he returned for TDs.
David Amerson
CB, JR., NORTH CAROLINA STATE
All-America set school and ACC records with 13 INTs in 2011, second most in FBS history.
T.J. McDonald
S, SR., USC
Thorpe Award and Lott Impact Trophy candidate had 67 tackles and three picks in '11.
Eric Reid
S, JR., LSU
Big-play producer tied for team lead in tackles while creating four turnovers.
Tyler Lockett
KR, SOPH., KANSAS STATE
Speedy receiver burst onto scene as a true freshman, averaging 35.2 yards per return.
De'Anthony Thomas
ALL-PURPOSE, SOPH., OREGON
Explosive playmaker had an impact as a back, receiver and return man as a freshman.
PHOTO
ROBIN ALAM/ICON SMI
PHOTO
SHELBY DANIEL/ICON SMI
PHOTO
ROBERT MAYER/US PRESSWIRE
Austin had four double-digit-reception games, including one in the Orange Bowl, in which he had a dozen catches and four TDs in a 70--33 win over Clemson.