Javion Cohen Named to Inaugural SI All-American Team

One of the most dominant offensive linemen in the country over the last two years, Javion Cohen has matured into an SI All-American.

Author:
John Garcia, Jr.
Publish date:
Dec 16, 2019

Anchoring the top prep offensive line in the state of Alabama the last three years, Javion Cohen has long been a known commodity as an offensive tackle throughout that time, but his game has hit another level in 2019.

"I'm excited to be named an SI All-American," Cohen said. "I've been working for this opportunity my entire life. I'm blessed to know my hard work is paying off."

Once again, Phenix City (Ala.) Central was among the favorites in Class 7A in the Yellowhammer State with a balanced offensive attack that enabled Cohen to showcase his ability as both a run and pass blocker. The Red Devils defended their 2018 state championship all the way until the final game of the season before falling to Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson in the state championship. Onlookers mentioned Cohen as perhaps the top prospect in the game despite the result.

As a recruit, Cohen has had quite the journey. As the SEC came calling following the state championship campaign, he picked Will Muschamp and South Carolina. Local program Auburn, just a short ride from Central High's campus, had a big need upfront and began to push for a flip. It went down on June 1 and his recruitment seemed all but over.

But as the 2019 season progressed, Cohen began visiting Alabama on a more consistent basis and another classic Iron Bowl recruiting battle came down to the wire before the Crimson Tide won out just last week.

Why Cohen is an All-American:

Initially known as simply an athletic lineman with length, Cohen has worked up to becoming a top offensive line talent in the conventional sense in the last year. Once considered somewhat small, playing in the 250-pound range, he’s now close to 300 pounds but is still playing with the athleticism that put him on the map. Cohen plays with athleticism whether in his kick slide or on the move, getting to the second level with relative ease for the position. What separates him from others in that box, though, is nastiness and edge that makes him play through the whistle.

In helping his team to two state title appearances, including a victory in 2018, Cohen has established himself as one of the top dual-threat linemen in the country. It means he’s just as effective as a run blocker and pass blocker, something that pairs well with his strong athletic profile.

2019 SI All-American Offensive Team:

QB Bryce Young, Alabama (Why Young? Highlights)

RB Demarckus Bowman, Clemson (Why Bowman? Highlights)

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Georgia Tech (Why Gibbs? Highlights)

WR Julian Fleming, Ohio State (Why Fleming? Highlights)

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State (Why Smith-Njigba? Highlights)

WR Malachi Wideman, FSU (Why Wideman? Highlights)

TE Arik Gilbert, LSU (Why Gilbert? Highlights)

OL Paris Johnson, Ohio State (Why Johnson? Highlights)

OL Tate Ratledge, UGA (Why Ratledge? Highlights)

OL Javion Cohen, Alabama (Why Cohen? Highlights)

OL Issiah Walker, Florida (Why Walker? Highlights)