Antonio Richardson Named Sports Illustrated Preseason All-American

Jul 17, 2013; Hoover, AL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Antonio Richardson talks with the media during the 2013 SEC football media days at the Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

If you thought the preseason lists were over, well you were wrong.

On Thursday Sports Illustrated released their preseason All-American teams.

Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Antonio “Tiny” Richardson was the Vols lone representative on the teams. Tiny was named as a second team All-American by Sports Illustrated.

The junior left tackle has already been named to a litany of preseason teams, including: Phil Steele’s All-American second team and Lindy’s preseason SEC first team, among many others.

Richardson is quickly gaining attention as one of the best offensive linemen in the SEC. At SEC Media Days he was singled out by South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who is widely expected to be the top pick in the next year’s NFL Draft. Clowney pointed out Richardson as one of the better offensive linemen that he played against last season.

The Nasvhille, TN native has lofty draft expectations as well — many draft analysts have him pegged as a first round pick next season, if he declares.

Richardson will again anchor a Volunteer offensive line that is expected to be one of the best in the nation this season.

For more on the Vols make sure to follow us on Twitter @AllforTennessee and @ZachAFT