2 Alabama Freshman Make Pre-Season All-American Team

With the No. 2 ranked recruiting class in the nation the University of Alabama is set up for another title run and the continuation of a dynasty. Filling holes at virtually every position, the Tide is looking for immediate impact from the new wave of talent that’s been added to the roster. With a high emphasis on the defensive side of the ball, Alabama has locked in two preseason All-Americans. 247Sports has named Brian Branch and Will Anderson to their Freshman Preseason All-American team.

Brian Branch is a defensive back out of Tyrone, Georgia. Branch stands at 5-11 and 185 pounds and was ranked as the third best safety in the nation. With his natural knack for making plays on the ball and solid play recognition, Branch can be used in a Minkah Fitzpatrick type role. A versatile defender that’s used everywhere in the secondary.

Coach Saban also thinks of highly of Branch.

“Both Brian Branch and Malachi Moore have shown the potential to play the (Star) position and play winning football at the position," said Saban.

Look for Branch to receive a lot of snaps and opportunities to make plays as a primary rotational piece or a potential starter in Alabama’s defense.

Will Anderson is an outside linebacker, who specializes in coming off the edge and causing havoc in the backfield. Anderson stands at 6-3 233 pounds and was a five-star recruit coming out of Hampton, Georgia. As a top-20 prospect he also was graded as the No. 1 defensive end in his class.

Anderson shows an elite first step and a high motor. This has some insiders raving about his ability and potential to start this season as a true freshman. With two edge rushers being lost to the draft (Anfernee Jennings and Terrell Lewis) look for Anderson to be used in third and long, and obvious pass situations. Anderson was also my pick to have the most impact out of this recruiting class. Feel free to check that out here.

With the season quickly approaching it will be interesting to see how this new recruiting class will make their mark this year. Who do you think will be the freshman with the highest impact this upcoming season? Let us know in the comments.