Seven Clemson Players Named to All-America Teams

by CU Athletic Communications - Mon Dec 12 19:40:26 GMT-04:00 2016

Clemson, S.C.—A school record seven Clemson football players have been named to various 2016 All-America teams. Ben Boulware, Jordan Leggett, Cordrea Tankersley, Carlos Wakins, Deshaun Watson, Christian Wilkins and Mike Williams have all been named to various first, second or third team squads over eight teams that have been announced in recent days.

The seven different players recognized is one more than the six selected on last year’s team that finished second in the nation. The 1981 National Championship team had five different players selected to All-America teams.

The Associated Press announced its All-America team on Monday and five different Clemson players were named over the three teams, the most in history. The 2015 team had four players make the Associated Press team. This year Deshaun Watson, Ben Boulware and Carlos Watkins made the second team, while Christian Wilkins and Cordrea Tankersely were third team selections.

Wilkins was named first-team All-American according to the Football Writers Association and Phil Steele announced Friday. Wilkins was also a finalist for the Nagurski Award, which is presented to the top defensive player in college football. Cordrea Tankersely was recognized as a first-team All-American by USA Today last Friday.

Mike Williams has been named a second team All-American by Walter Camp, Phil Steele and SB Nation, while Ben Boulware has been named a second team All-American by Football Writers, Walter Camp, USA Today, Phil Steele and Associated Press.

Deshaun Watson, who finished second in voting for the Heisman Trophy on Saturday, is the second team All-America quarterback by Associated Press, Walter Camp, Sports Illustrated and Sporting News.

Dexter Lawrence was named a freshman All-American by ESPN and USA Today.

All-American teams from the Football Coaches Association and CBS Sports are yet to be named.

Clemson All-American Teams Selections Summary

Ben Boulware (LB)—Football Writers (2), Walter Camp (2), USA Today (2), Associated Press (2), Phil Steele (2)

Jordan Leggett (TE)—Phil Steele (3)

Cordrea Tankersley (CB)—USA Today (1), Associated Press (3), Phil Steele (4)

Carlos Watkins (DT)—Associated Press (2), Phil Steele (4)

Deshaun Watson (QB)—Associated Press (2), Walter Camp (2), Sports Illustrated (2), Sporting News (2), Phil Steele (3)

Christian Wilkins (DE)—Football Writers (1), Phil Steele (1), Walter Camp (2), USA Today (2), Sporting News (2), SB Nation (2), Associated Press (3)

Mike Williams (WR)—Walter Camp (2), SB Nation (2), Phil Steele (2)

Freshman All-AmericanDexter Lawrence—ESPN (1), USA Today (1)