College football like we’ve never experienced it is on the doorstep, with games less than two weeks away, so it’s time to unveil ESPN’s 2024 preseason All-America team.
Teams have moved to new conferences, players to new teams, and for the first time, 12 teams (and not four) will take part in the College Football Playoff.
Our preseason All-America team includes only four players who were also first-team selections on our 2023 postseason team: Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II, Georgia safety Malaki Starks, Alabama place-kicker Graham Nicholson and USC return specialist Zachariah Branch.
Alabama, Georgia and Michigan lead the way with three first-team selections each. Ohio State has one first-team selection, but four second-teamers.
OFFENSE
In his first season as a starter a year ago, Beck almost made it look too easy at times in leading the SEC and ranking third nationally with 3,941 passing yards. Some of his top playmakers have moved on, including tight end Brock Bowers, but Beck is at his best spreading the ball around and finding open targets. He completed 72.4% of his passes and was intercepted only six times in 417 pass attempts.
Second team: Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Gordon went from a little-used freshman to the Doak Walker Award winner as the top running back in college football last season. He led all FBS players with 1,732 rushing yards and scored 22 touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior has a little bit of everything in his repertoire. He tied for second nationally a year ago with 1,056 yards after contact and led all players with 14 rushes of 30 yards or longer. He’s plenty durable too, as evidenced by his 285 carries.
Second team: Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
As a true sophomore a year ago, Hampton burst onto the scene by finishing fifth nationally in rushing (1,504 yards), and he led all FBS players with 1,072 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot, 220-pound Hampton showcased his versatility by catching 29 passes for 222 yards and scored 16 touchdowns (15 rushing and one receiving). Not only did Hampton average 5.9 yards per rush on 254 attempts, but he also had five runs of 50 yards or longer.
Second team: Quinshon Judkins,…
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