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Midseason First and Second Team All-American Projections

By Zach Bigalke

Oct 22, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Airius Moore (58) during the first quarter at Papa John
Oct 22, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Airius Moore (58) during the first quarter at Papa John /
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Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jovon Robinson follows the block of lineman Braden Smith (71) as he blocks Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Adonis Thomas (17) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jovon Robinson follows the block of lineman Braden Smith (71) as he blocks Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Adonis Thomas (17) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

OG: Braden Smith (Auburn)

Auburn looked dead in the water in September when they lost to Clemson and Texas A&M to begin the year 1-2. It turned out they were merely trying to get their footing against two of the toughest teams in the country, and since that loss to the Aggies they have won four straight. They have turned around their season thanks in large part to the run game, and the man at the heart of the offensive line opening holes for Kamryn Pettway and crew has been guard Braden Smith.

Smith — a 6’6″, 300-pound right guard from Kansas — has been a big part of leading the Tigers backs to daylight on the Plains. Auburn is ranked third nationally in rushing yards per game, and tied for eighth in rushing touchdowns, and has converted over 48% of its third-down opportunities. Both blocking for interior runs and in pulling situations, Smith has been integral in clearing paths for one of the best running games by committee in the country.

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