Five Tide Players Named to Preseason All-SEC Squad

The University of Alabama had five players named to the 2008 Southeastern Conference Media Days preseason All-SEC Team. Junior tackle Andre Smith and senior defensive back Rashad Johnson were first-team picks. While senior center Antoine Caldwell, sophomore linebacker Rolando McClain and junior return specialist Javier Arenas were all second team picks. All five players were named to the 2008 Coaches Preseason All-SEC Team earlier this week. Smith and Caldwell lead what some experts believe to be the best offense line in the SEC. Johnson led the Tide a year ago with 94 tackles and six interceptions from his free safety position. McClain was named to the SEC Coaches Freshman All-SEC Team in 2007 while registering 75 tackles with five tackles for loss and two interceptions. Javier finished second in the SEC last season in punt returns with a 15.4 yard per return average.

Fall practice begins Aug. 1st and the season kicks-off Aug. 30 against Clemson in Atlanta.