Roquan Smith and Trenton Thompson Make Athlon Sport’s All-SEC First Team

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Roquan Smith and Trenton Thompson Make Athlon Sport’s All-SEC First Team

Trenton Thompson (78)) and Jonathan Ledbetter (13)
Trenton Thompson (78) and Jonathan Ledbetter (13)

 
 
Athlon Sports recently released their All-SEC Team selections and ten Georgia Bulldogs made the grade, including Roquan Smith and Trenton Thompson being named to Athlon’s ALL-SEC First Team.

 
Junior defensive tackle Trenton Thompson was one of four first-team defensive linemen. Thompson, or ‘Jolly’ as he is known by his teammates, is coming off a 2016 season that saw him come into his own as a sophomore, mauling blockers and ball carriers in the trenches to a tune of 64 tackles and led Georgia in tackles for a loss with 9.5. He was also named MVP of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in December after recording 3 sacks, 8 tackles, and 3.5 tackles for loss against TCU in Georgia’s 31-23 victory. Thompson had a health scare back in February which resulted in him withdrawing from classes at UGA to address and treat his medical condition, resulting in the big man missing spring practice, but the good news is that he is expected to be back in classes over the summer and ready to go for fall camp.
 
 

Georgia linebackers Lorenzo Carter (7) and Roquan Smith (3) say hello to a Horned Frog
Georgia linebackers Lorenzo Carter (7) and Roquan Smith (3) say hello to a Horned Frog

 
 
Junior Roquan Smith was one of three first-team linebackers. At inside linebacker last season, Smith played side line to side line, flying to the ball; so, it is no surprise that he led the Bulldogs in tackles with 95. Roquan is expected to be an enforcer in the middle of Georgia’ front seven for 2017, leading a solid group of linebackers that include senior OLBs Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter and fellow inside linebackers Reggie Carter and Natrez Patrick.
 
 
While there were no players on Georgia’s offense named to the first-team, four Bulldogs made the ALL-SEC Second Team Offense. Seniors Nick Chubb and Sony Michel were named second-team running back and all-purpose back respectively. Sophomore Isaac Nauta was named second-team tight end and senior Isaiah Wynn was one of four second-team offensive linemen.
 
 

Dominick Sanders one hander
Dominick Sanders one hander
Photo: Rob Saye/Bulldawg Illustrated

 
 
Defensive backs Malkom Parrish and Dominick Sanders made the third-team defense, and senior outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter along with junior defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter made the fourth-team defense.
 
 
So how did the Bulldogs stack up against the rest of the SEC? Alabama led all conference squads with 15 selections followed by Florida with 13, and both Auburn and Georgia tied for third-most selections with 10. Only Alabama had more players named to the ALL-SEC Defense than Georgia’s six. The Tide had one more than the Bulldogs with 7.
 

GEORGIA BULLDOGS SELECTED TO ATHLON SPORTS’ ALL-SEC TEAMS

 
1st Team
 
Roquan Smith – LB

Trent Thompson – DL
 
2nd Team
 
Nick Chubb – RB

Sony Michel – AP

Isaac Nauta – TE

Isaiah Wynn – OL
 
3rd Team
 
Malkom Parrish – CB

Dominick Sanders – Safety
 
4th Team
 
Lorenzo Carter – LB

Jonathan Ledbetter – DL
 
 
For a full list of the Athlon Sports’ All-SEC Selections for 2017:
 
 

 
 


 
 

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The University of Georgia 1991-1994. Lanier Tech 2009-2012. Writer and graphic artist covering UGA athletics, college football, and recruiting. Peach cobbler fears me!