Fansided

50 greatest college football players this century, ranked

By Jeremy Morris

Tim Tebow, #15 quarterback of the Florida Gators (Photo by Matt Marriott/University of Florida/Collegiate Images/Getty Images)
Tim Tebow, #15 quarterback of the Florida Gators (Photo by Matt Marriott/University of Florida/Collegiate Images/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 51
Next
Andre Smith #71 of the Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Andre Smith #71 of the Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
  • Outland Trophy (2008)
  • Consensus All-American (2008)
  • Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2007)
  • 2x First-team All-SEC (2007, 2008)

Andre Smith started all 13 games at left tackle his first year at Alabama, making him the fourth player in program history to start on the offensive line as a true freshman. He was one of the few bright spots of a 6-7 season that would be Mike Shula’s last in Tuscaloosa and the first of Smith’s three seasons as the Tide’s starting left tackle. In 2007, their record improved to 7-6 under Nick Saban and Smith became an All-SEC selection as well as winning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, as the conference’s best offensive lineman.

As a junior in 2008, he developed into one of the nation’s best offensive tackles, anchoring a line that Glen Coffee ran behind for a 1,383-yard season. He allowed just one sack in 334 passing attempts, helped Alabama finish the season with a 12-2 record, and was recognized as a consensus All-American and the top interior lineman in the nation.

In three seasons, Andre Smith started 39 games, was a two-time All-SEC selection, an All-American, and took home both the Outland and the Jacobs Blocking Trophy. He entered the NFL Draft following his junior season and was picked sixth overall by the Bengals.

Bonus Fact: In addition to everything he accomplished bulldozing opponents, he also scored a touchdown on a lateral play (at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds) during his freshman season.

Home/College Football