No Alabama football players make the first team, but three are named All-Americans.

For the third time since 2010, the Alabama Crimson Tide football team will not have a first-team All-American selection. This year, the major football outlets, including Walter Camp, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), and the Associated Press (AP), have revealed their All-American teams, but none of the top honors were awarded to an Alabama player. However, despite this, there are still notable individual achievements from Alabama players on the All-American lists. Tyler Booker, Malachi Moore, and freshman Ryan Williams all earned various distinctions from these prestigious bodies.

Tyler Booker, an offensive lineman for Alabama, received second-team honors from the AFCA, and both he and Moore earned second-team spots on the AP list. These distinctions highlight the strong performances of these players, who were among the best in their respective positions this season. In addition to their accolades, the performances of Booker, Moore, and Williams played significant roles in Alabama’s success on the field this year.

Tyler Booker’s Impressive Season

Tyler Booker, a key figure in Alabama’s offensive line, had a standout season. Playing in all 12 of the Crimson Tide’s games, Booker demonstrated exceptional skill and versatility. As an offensive lineman, one of his most impressive attributes was his ability to protect the quarterback. According to Pro Football Focus, Booker was ranked as the No. 10 guard in the nation for pass protection. His pass-blocking efficiency was especially notable, as he recorded the highest pass protection grade of any Alabama player this season at 87.1. In terms of pressures, he allowed only two hits, seven hurries, and nine pressures, without giving up a sack throughout the year.

On top of his pass protection prowess, Booker also made significant contributions in the running game. He played a team-high 363 snaps, with a remarkable consistency that saw him commit only one penalty all season. He also participated in 47.7% of the team’s total offensive snaps, a key figure in Alabama’s offensive line rotation. Given his strong performances, Booker is now widely regarded as a first-round prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft, with many mock drafts ranking him as the 28th-best overall prospect.

Malachi Moore’s Continued Leadership

Malachi Moore, a seasoned fifth-year safety for Alabama, also had an impressive year. Moore played a pivotal role in the Crimson Tide’s defense, finishing tied for second on the team with two interceptions. He also led the team with eight pass breakups, which were tied for third-most in the nation among safeties. Furthermore, Moore contributed significantly in the passing game with three quarterback hits and 40 tackles on the season.

In terms of individual performance, Moore was the second-highest-graded safety on the team in terms of coverage. Despite some on-field challenges (such as the unfortunate moment during the Vanderbilt game), Moore’s overall leadership, both on and off the field, made him a consistent and reliable presence for Alabama’s defense. His ability to break up passes and his leadership in the secondary were invaluable to the team’s defensive efforts throughout the season.

Ryan Williams’ Explosive Freshman Season

Freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams had an exceptional debut season for Alabama, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dynamic players on the team. Williams led Alabama in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, with 45 receptions for 857 yards and eight touchdowns. His average of 19.04 yards per catch was a testament to his ability to make big plays down the field. His production was especially impressive considering he was just a freshman, and his performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year for the offense.

What really set Williams apart was his ability to excel in deep passing situations. He led the country’s freshmen in deep ball targets, recording 23 targets on deep throws. His 390 yards after the catch were the most among freshman receivers nationwide, further underscoring his ability to turn catches into explosive plays. Despite some concerns about his lack of targets in the intermediate and short game, these can be attributed to the offensive system in which he plays and the style of quarterbacking that Alabama employed this season. As a freshman, Williams’ deep threat potential was clear, and it’s expected that his skill set will only grow in the coming years.

Though Williams is still a few years away from being eligible for the NFL Draft, his future looks bright. He is widely projected to be a top-tier prospect when he becomes draft-eligible in 2027. If he continues on his current trajectory, he will undoubtedly be one of the top wide receivers in the country when the time comes for him to enter the professional ranks.

The Challenges Alabama Faces

Despite these individual successes, the lack of a first-team All-American from Alabama in 2024 marks a rare occurrence. This is the third time since 2010 that the Crimson Tide has not had a player selected for first-team All-American honors. For a program that has historically been filled with standout athletes, this absence is significant. However, Alabama’s failure to secure a top spot this season does not diminish the accomplishments of the players who were recognized. It is a reflection of the high level of competition in college football, as well as the collective efforts of a team that may have been overshadowed by other schools’ exceptional players.

For Alabama, this marks a turning point in its program, as they will need to adjust and recalibrate in the coming seasons. While the absence of first-team All-Americans this year may be a disappointment, the team still has much to be proud of. Players like Booker, Moore, and Williams have set high standards, both in individual performance and in their leadership on the field. Alabama will look to build on these successes and remain a force in college football, while continuing to develop talent that can make an impact at the next level.

Looking Ahead

With the NFL Draft approaching, Tyler Booker is expected to be one of the most sought-after players from Alabama, with many experts predicting he will be drafted in the first round. His exceptional play on the offensive line, especially in pass protection, has earned him recognition as one of the best guards in the country. His potential as an early-round pick will only increase as scouts continue to evaluate his skill set and his ability to excel at the next level.

As for Malachi Moore, his leadership and consistency in the secondary have cemented his place as one of the top defensive backs in college football. His performance this season has given him the opportunity to pursue a professional career, and his strong coverage skills and ball skills will likely make him a valuable asset to NFL teams looking to improve their defenses.

Ryan Williams, meanwhile, represents the future of Alabama’s offense. His explosive potential and ability to stretch the field with his speed and athleticism make him one of the most exciting young talents in college football. While his draft eligibility is still years away, there is little doubt that Williams will be a top prospect when his time comes.

In conclusion, while Alabama football may not have a first-team All-American this season, the individual accomplishments of players like Tyler Booker, Malachi Moore, and Ryan Williams demonstrate that the program continues to produce exceptional talent. The Crimson Tide may face challenges in the coming seasons, but with a strong foundation of young players and seasoned veterans, Alabama will remain a contender in college football for years to come.