Four Tigers named to ESPN's 2018 midseason All-America teams

by Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Mon Oct 15 10:20:34 GMT-04:00 2018

Can you believe the first half of the college football season is already over?

With that in mind, ESPN released their annual midseason All-America team on Monday and two Clemson offensive players made the cut.

Explosive running back Travis Etienne deservedly made the midseason team with his impressive start to the season.

"The drama surrounding the quarterback change at Clemson has in some ways overshadowed what has been a terrific first half of the season for Etienne, who's been one of the most explosive and effective runners in college football," ESPN.com said. "The 5-foot-10, 200-pound sophomore is averaging 9.2 yards per carry and has scored 12 touchdowns, 11 rushing and one receiving. In six games, he has 10 runs of 20 yards or longer and might have saved the Tigers' season in the narrow escape against Syracuse after quarterback Trevor Lawrence was knocked out of the game. Etienne rushed for 203 yards and scored all three of Clemson's touchdowns against the Orange."

Offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt was included on the list with his outstanding blocking.

"The "old man" on Clemson's team, the 6-5, 310-pound Hyatt has been starting for the Tigers since his true freshman season in 2015," ESPN.com said. "He entered this season sixth in Clemson history in total snaps and has once again been a fixture at left tackle for the Tigers, who are fourth nationally in rushing offense and eighth nationally in total offense."

ESPN also released their midseason freshman All-America team as Trevor Lawrence was listed at the quarterback position.

"The former five-star prospect has taken over at QB for the Tigers and completed 69 percent of his passes for 868 yards and 11 touchdowns with just two interceptions," ESPN.com said. "The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Peach State product leads all true freshman quarterbacks in passer efficiency and is 10th in the FBS."

Clemson freshman speed rusher Xavier Thomas also made the first-year list with his several eye-dropping defensive plays.

"Even without a start or playing many snaps as a reserve behind future first-round NFL selections, the former five-star has been very productive when on the field totaling 15 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks in just 97 snaps," ESPN.com said.