TUCSON, Ariz. – Auburn infielders Ryan Bliss and Rankin Woley were named 2021 Preseason Third Team All-America by Collegiate Baseball Tuesday.
Bliss and Woley, who turned in All-America efforts during the shortened 2020 season, are the only pair of left-side infield teammates to be represented on the list. The duo has accounted for 99 hits apiece since the start of the 2019 season, marking the sixth most in the Southeastern Conference during that time and the second most among active players.
A native of LaGrange, Georgia, Bliss ranked second in the SEC and sixth in the country in hits (29) in 2020. He also appeared in the top 10 in the league in runs (21), doubles (seven), triples (two) and total bases (46). Making the move from second base to shortstop prior to the season, Bliss started in all 18 games and didn't commit an error in 58 chances en route to earning Third Team All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball at the position. He was also a threat on the base paths as he tied for the team lead with five stolen bases.
Woley got it done both on and off the field in 2020 as he was named Third Team All-America by Collegiate Baseball, CoSIDA Academic All-America and the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The Atlanta native tied for the team lead and ranked tied for eighth in the SEC with a .412 average. He also ranked in the top 10 in the league in hits (28), doubles (eight), RBI (22) and total bases (42) and was the lone player in the NCAA to rank in the top 20 in hits, doubles and RBI. Like Bliss, he made the move across the diamond from first to third and started in all 18 games in 2020.
Bliss, Woley earn preseason All-America honors
