Athlon names four Ohio State football players to its Preseason All-American teams
You know it's close to the start of college football season when the preseason college football magazines start to hit the shelf and show up online. One of the most read out there that's been around since I can remember is Athlon Sports. I can remember sitting down during many summers after picking up the old school magazine, and sitting down to leaf through its contets.
Of course, I was interested in all of the Ohio State content, but there was plenty in there to keep me entertained and occupied for hours. Well, it's that time of year again, and we're interested in all things Buckeye related this time around as well.
Athlon highlighted its All-American team and included four OSU players among both its First and Second All-America Teams. On the First Team was -- as you can guess -- safety Caleb Downs and receiver Jeremiah Smith. Both are thought of by most national outlets and publications as the best player on defense and offense in the country, so it makes a lot of sense. Both should have fantastic years. As a freshman, Smith caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. Downs was used as a roving athlete who made plays all over the field.
But those two weren't the only Ohio State players to be recognized as All-Americans by Athlon. On the Second Team were linebacker Sonny Styles and wide receiver Carnell Tate. Both have a tremendous upside and flashed what they can do last season, but both should be even better this coming fall. Tate was in the shadow of Smith, but he hauled in 52 catches for 733 yards and four touchdowns. Don't be surprised if his numbers go well beyond that this fall and look more like Smith's because of all the attention he'll attract.
It should be a great year in Columbus with these four players leading the way. Don't be surprised if a couple of other players make a name for themselves as well.
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