As the 2015 college football season rapidly approaches, media outlets are beginning to release their predictions for the next All-American team and so far the Ohio State Buckeyes have dominated projections. Junior DE Joey Bosa and RB Ezekiel Elliott are overwhelming favorites for first-team honors in 2015 following their breakout seasons in 2014. Bosa is already being discussed as the potential top pick in next year’s NFL draft and Elliot is reported to be fully healed from a left wrist injury that plagued him through his record-setting postseason. Ezekiel Elliott headlines a potent Buckeye offense, Elliott rushed for 1,878 yards in 2014-15 Athlon Sports, the latest to release their preseason picks, has projected an FBS-best 11 Buckeyes to make the 2015 team. Notable first-team selections include both Bosa and Elliot along with Senior LT Taylor Decker and Junior OL Pat Elflein. Other selections to Athlon’s All-America team include Junior S Vonn Bell and sophomore defenders LB Darron Lee and CB Eli Apple selected as second-team talents. Lee and Bell made themselves known on the defensive front during last year’s postseason run, and Apple is viewed as one of the nation’s best cornerbacks. Later selections included the dynamic Jalin Marshall (selected as a punt returner), LB Joshua Perry, and DT Adolphus Washington. QB Cardale Jones was named a fourth-team offensive selection as well, likely limited by the fact that it still remains unclear who will start under center for the Buckeyes this season. Other outlets like Phil Steele’s College Football Preview and The Sporting News have also projected numerous Buckeyes as All-Americans in the coming season. In addition to projections on individual talent, this year’s Ohio State football squad is a heavy favorite to repeat as champions, a fact that undoubtedly influences predictions of All-American honors. The Buckeyes will return 15 starters from last year’s national championship team, and with a 42nd ranked strength of schedule expectations are high for Urban Meyer and this year’s talented group. Related
Continue Reading: Ohio State football: the new All-American factory
