2006 Preseason All-Americans - Off. Tackles

2006 CFN All-America Offensive Tackles

QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | OGs | Cs | DEs | DTs | LBs | CBs | Ss | PKs | Ps | KRs

2006 CFN Preseason First Team All-Americans
Justin Blalock, Sr., Texas
If he's not the nation's best offensive lineman, he's not far off. A rock at right tackle over the last three seasons, the 6-4, 335-pound senior could play guard if needed but will make millions as a top 15 draft pick next season on the outside. The 2005 CFN First-Team All-American should've/could've left a year early and have been a first round selection this season after a brilliant season.

Joe Thomas, Sr. Wisconsin
The former defensive end and tight end has grown into a top pro prospect. Used as a part-time defensive lineman in the Capital One Bowl win over Auburn, he tore up his ACL killing and possibility of leaving school a year early. The 6-8, 306-pound senior is expected to be back later this summer and back to his All-America status.

Preseason 25 Best Tackles
1. Joe Thomas, Sr. Wisconsin
2. Justin Blalock, Sr., Texas
3. Sam Baker, Sr. USC
4. Arron Sears, Sr. Tennessee
5. Levi Brown, Sr. Penn State
6. Doug Free, Sr., Northern Illinois
7. Herbert Taylor, Sr. TCU
8. Ryan Harris, Sr. Notre Dame
9. Corey Hilliard, Sr., Oklahoma St
10. John Greco, Jr., Toledo
11. Daniel Inman, Sr. Georgia
12. Thed Watson, Sr. South Florida
13. Steve Vallos, Sr., Wake Forest
14. Andrew Carnahan, Sr. Arizona St
15. Michael Oher, Soph. Ole Miss
16. Robert Turner, Sr. New Mexico
17. Jon Brost, Soph., Northern Illinois
18. Jake Long, Jr. Michigan
19. Brian Stamper, Sr. Vanderbilt
20. Zac Tubbs, Sr. Arkansas
21. Joe Staley, Sr., Central Michigan
22. Tavo Tupola, Sr. Utah
23. Cornelius Rogers, Sr. UAB
24. Ryan Clady, Soph. Boise State
25. Jeff Perrett, Sr. Tulsa

2006 CFN Preseason Second Team All-Americans
Sam Baker, Sr. USC
Baker has been the team's most consistent linemen over the last few seasons and should be even better now that he's up to 305 pounds. He's strong enough to play guard if needed, but he's too good a pass protector and too athletic not to be put at left tackle.

Arron Sears, Sr. Tennessee
The All-America caliber lineman can play either tackle or guard, but he's best and most useful on the outside. As the only returning starter on the line, he might be moved around where needed, like he was in the win over LSU when he saw time at four different spots. He's a strong and surprisingly mobile 6-4 and 338 pounds with two years of starting experience under his belt.

2006 CFN Honorable Mention All-Americans
(in alphabetical order)

Levi Brown, Sr. Penn State
One of the nation's best all-around offensive linemen, the 6-5, 328-pound senior was an All-American last year and now has to be even better as the only returning starter to the line. He's a durable, dominant all-around blocker who'll be the one the offense runs behind.

Doug Free, Sr., Northern Illinois
The rest of the college football world has finally starting to recognize how good the 6-7, 302-pound senior is. Free will be a ten-year NFL cog and an early first day draft pick next year thanks to his freakish combination of tight end speed and defensive tackle strength. The next-level scouts would probably like to see him add another 15 pounds to his relatively lanky frame, but that's nitpicking. It’ll be his quickness and athleticism that gets him the big payday.

John Greco, Jr. Toledo
One of the best blockers in the conference, the All-MAC star made the successful conversion from right tackle to left and should be even better this season. He's 6-5, 318 pounds and very athletic.

Ryan Harris, Sr. Notre Dame
Harris is in his fourth year as a starter and is on the verge of a huge year after living up to his potential last season. He's 6-5 and 292 pounds and can do a little bit of everything well. He has mostly grown as a pass blocker becoming more consistent as last year went on.

Corey Hilliard, Sr. Oklahoma State
A first day NFL prospect at either guard or tackle, the 6-5, 310-pound senior ended up moving to the outside and started every game earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. He's by far the line's best player with improving pass rushing technique to go along with hi s devastating run blocking skills.

Herbert Taylor, Sr. TCU
About to be a four-year starter, the 6-4, 287-pound all-star will be one of the Mountain West's best tackles and the leader of the line. As the only returning starter he needs to be even better this year. There are few better pass protectors allowing just one sack last season.