Oklahoma's Kyler Murray and Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa lead the way for the USA TODAY Sports All-America teams for 2018, which include heavy representation from the four teams set to compete in this month's College Football Playoff national semifinals.
Nine players from Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame and Oklahoma earned first-team honors, led by Murray at quarterback and two teammates from the Sooners' record-setting offense. Among this group were two Clemson defensive linemen, Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins, and two stars from the Alabama defense.
Another four members of the Crimson Tide earned second-team accolades. The Southeastern Conference led all leagues with 17 selections. Five picks came from Group of Five leagues, with three earning first-team honors. The teams included two freshmen in Syracuse kicker Andre Szmyt and Purdue all-purpose weapon Rondale Moore.
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QB: Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
Murray draws the nod over Tagovailoa for his overall impact in Oklahoma's push to the College Football Playoff and his play during the home stretch of the regular season, in the Big 12 Conference championship game in particular.
RB: Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
RB: Darrell Henderson, Memphis
Taylor continues his assault on the FBS record book as he nears a 2,000-yard season. Henderson had one of the most prolific per-carry seasons in recent history.
WR: Marquise Brown, Oklahoma
WR: Andy Isabella, Massachusetts
TE: T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
Brown was Murray's favorite target and one of the most dangerous players in the country when in the open field. Isabella put up crooked numbers every week despite being the primary focus of attention from opposing defenses. Hockenson won the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end.
OL: Jonah Williams, Alabama
OL: Beau Benzschawel, Wisconsin
OL: Garrett Bradbury, North Carolina State
OL: Ben Powers, Oklahoma
OL: Dalton Risner, Kansas State
Williams and Risner graded out as the nation's top tackles. Benzschawel was the most impressive piece of what was another strong Wisconsin offensive front. Powers anchors an offensive line that paced Oklahoma's offense to at least 40 touchdowns on the ground and through the air. Bradbury was outstanding from the middle of the N.C. State line.
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