As we approach the beginning of the 2023 college football season, we want to highlight some of the top players in each conference by announcing our SIS Preseason All-Conference teams. We used our all-encompassing player value stat, Total Points, along with other metrics and our scouting work as leading references in putting together our selections.

You can learn more about Total Points and the statistics referenced here.

Offense

Frank Harris of UTSA has not played a game as a member of the AAC yet, but he was an easy choice at quarterback. Harris finished fifth nationally in Total Points and looks primed for another repeat as fellow first teamers Joshua Cephus, De’Corian Clark, and Oscar Cardenas returned too.

Blake Watson takes the top spot at running back, transferring to Memphis after spending five seasons at Old Dominion. After spending three years attempting to be a quarterback, Luke McCaffrey found his calling at receiver.

Tulane has the best offensive line in the conference with Sincere Haynesworth, Rashad Green, and Prince Pines finishing top five in Total Points for AAC offensive lineman. Gabe Blair had the third lowest Blown Block% in the country amongst guards. Marcus Bryant is the top returning left tackle in the conference.

Defense

Patrick Jenkins and Jarius Monroe represent the Green Wave on defense. Jenkins was a force on the interior while Monroe led the team with three interceptions and 11 passes defensed.

Jacob Busic and Colin Ramos will lead the way for Navy’s defense. Busic led all edges in the AAC in Pass Rushing Total Points while Ramos was second amongst all AAC linebackers in Run Defense Total Points.

North Carolina State transfer defensive tackle Nick Booker-Brown made an immediate impact with the Roadrunners. Memphis’ Jaylon Allen proved stingy against the run with 10 tackles for loss last season. Myron Morrison was sixth in Total Points per snap amongst all linebackers. 

Jalen McMurray is Temple’s lone representative having finished fourth in total points for AAC cornerbacks. East Carolina’s lone representative Julius Wood was a force against the run finishing third amongst AAC safeties in Run Defense Total Points.

SMU is represented by Stanford transfer Jonathan McGill and cornerback Jahari Rogers. Rogers was the sixth best corner in the country against the pass on a per snap basis.

Specialists

Collin Rogers was perfect under 49 yards last season going 56-56 on extra points and 16-16 on field goals. Lucas Dean is the sixth and final Roadrunner on the team averaging 45.0 yards a boot last season Mustang Key’Shawn Smith, who was All-ACC last season for Miami, edges out Lawrence Keys III at the returner spot.