The hype around South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst has been building all offseason.
Wednesday his potential as the top tight end in the SEC was validated by the league’s coaches.
Hurst was named the Preseason All-SEC first-team tight end, while his teammate Skai Moore made the team at linebacker. That pair led a total of four Gamecocks on the list.
Offensive tackle Zack Bailey made the third team, while wide receiver Deebo Samuel was on the third team both at that spot and as an all-purpose player.
2017 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Football Team (* - ties)
First Team Preseason All-SEC
OFFENSE
TE Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
OL Braden Smith, Auburn
Martez Ivey, Florida
Jonah Williams, Alabama
Ross Pierschbacher, Alabama
C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Calvin Ridley, Alabama
QB Jalen Hurts, Alabama
RB Derrius Guice, LSU
Nick Chubb, Georgia
AP Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
DEFENSE
DL Da'Shawn Hand, Alabama
Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss
Trenton Thompson, Georgia
LB Arden Key, LSU
Skai Moore, South Carolina
Roquan Smith, Georgia
DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
Armani Watts, Texas A&M
Duke Dawson, Florida
Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK Daniel Carlson, Auburn
P JK Scott, Alabama
RS Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Second Team Preseason All-SEC
OFFENSE
TE Isaac Nauta, Georgia
OL Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State
K.