Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
All-Americans
Top-ranked Alabama had six players chosen to the three All-America teams Monday, including wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (left). His teammates on the first team include offensive lineman Jonah Williams, defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and defensive back Deionte Thompson. No. 2 Clemson has three first-teamers, including offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt, and No. 4 Oklahoma has two, including quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray. Article and complete list of All-America teams,
The College Football Playoff semifinalists combined to place 10 players on The Associated Press All-America first team, including a high of four from No. 1 Alabama.
The Crimson Tide had six players chosen to the three All-America teams, more than any other school. No. 2 Clemson has three first-teamers, No. 4 Oklahoma has two All-Americans — including quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray — and No. 3 Notre Dame had one.
The Tide and Sooners meet in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 29, and the Tigers play the Fighting Irish at the Cotton Bowl that day. The winners meet in the College Football Playoff national championship game Jan. 7 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
The playoff teams combined for 17 overall selections on the teams chosen by a panel of AP poll voters and released Monday.
The Tide placed two players on each side of the ball, with Outland Trophy winner Quinnen Williams highlighting the defense. Receiver Jerry Jeudy, offensive tackle Jonah Williams and safety Deionte Thompson also made the first team, while Tua Tagovailoa was the second-team quarterback.
Tagovailoa finished second behind Murray in the
Heisman voting Saturday. Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins was the third-team quarterback after finishing third in the Heisman voting.
Clemson placed defensive linemen Christian Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell on the first team, and also offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt. Cornerback Julian Love represented Notre Dame on the first team.
Clemson, Oklahoma and LSU each had four players on the three teams, trailing only Alabama. Notre Dame, Kentucky, Iowa, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Washington and Wisconsin each had three overall selections.
Kentucky placed two players on the first team: linebacker Josh Allen and guard Bunchy Stallings. The Wildcats have not had an AP All-American since receiver/kick returner Derek Abney in 2002.