Donaldson named Freshman All-American

CORAL GABLES — After arriving on campus last January as an early enrollee, Navaughn Donaldson didn’t need much time to make an impression on his new teammates and coaches as Miami.

His 6-foot-6, then 375-pound frame was imposing enough. His ability to move, his strength, and his quick grasp of the Hurricanes playbook only helped ease his transition to college football.

By the time spring practices began, Donaldson was already working with Miami’s starting offensive line. He went on to shed weight and start nine games this season as the Hurricanes won their first Coastal Division crown. On Monday, he earned recognition for his efforts with ESPN naming Donaldson a Freshman AllAmerican.

He was one of seven ACC players to earn a spot on the team, along with Boston College running back AJ Dillon, Louisville wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick, Boston College center Ben Petrula, Duke defensive end Victor Dimukeje, Louisville linebacker Dorian Etheridge and Georgia Tech punter Pressley Harvin III.

Also earning a spot on this year’s team is Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor, whom Miami will face in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30. So far this season, Taylor has rushed for 1,847 yards — the most of any freshman nationally since Adrian Peterson had 1,937 yards at Oklahoma in 2004.

Donaldson, a former four-start prospect at Miami Central High, helped the Hurricanes total 1,916 rushing yards and average 6.2 yards per play. He appeared in 10 games and was the only Miami freshman to start the first four games of the season before he was sidelined against Georgia Tech and Syracuse with a foot injury.

He worked his way back into the rotation against North Carolina and a week later, was back to his usual starting spot against Virginia Tech.

Donaldson is the latest Hurricane to earn ESPN Freshman All-American honors, with linebackers Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pinckney, as well as receiver Ahmmon Richards, earning spots on last year’s team.

Lorenzo

Football Player of the Year.

A five-star prospect and U.S. Army All-American out of University High in Orange City, Lingard rushed for 1,701 yards and 26 touchdowns on 207 carries this past season.

The freshman, who started in place of injured sophomore

played a season-best 28 minutes and was 9-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range, in the win.

Jr., Bruce Brown

as high as No. 2 — won the ACC championship and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

There are expectations the Hurricanes (8-0) can match or beat that performance this season thanks in part to a talented group of returning players and the addition of top-notch freshmen.

The Hurricanes are one of just seven unbeaten teams remaining in Division I after former No. 1 Duke was upset by Boston College on Saturday. The Blue Devils fell to No. 4 in Monday’s AP Top 25 and remain the highest ranked ACC team in the poll.

Other ranked ACC teams include No. 7 North Carolina, No. 16 Virginia, No. 18 Notre Dame and No. 19 Florida State.