Ayles and Kalil headline EA Sports All-American selections

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The EA Sports Football All-Americans were finally unveiled on Monday and Orange Lutheran TE Blake Ayles and Servite OL Matt Kalil were the only players from Southern California to make the first team. It’s a well-deserved honor for the future USC teammates, who are widely considered the best at their positions in the state.

As a senior, Ayles caught 45 passes for 697 yards and eight TDs in addition to recording eight sacks on defense. He also played a key role in helping the Lancers secure the Division II state bowl title in 2006.

Kalil is one of the best pass blockers around, utilizing a dominating combination of pure strength and sound technique.

Still, as talented as these guys are, I was a little surprise they were the only two from Southern California to make the first team. I’m surprised Mater Dei‘s Matt Barkley didn’t make the first team and Corona Centennial‘s Matt Scott should have made at least first team all-utility. Oh well, it’s a big country -- so I sympathize a little with the selection committee.

In all, 14 Southern California players worked their tails off for years to become All-Americans. Congrats to all.

Download the entire team list here:

EA Sports Football All-Americans

-- Austin Knoblauch