Sporting News names three Tigers first-team preseason All-Americans; more than any school
Sporting News - one of five media outlets used to elect consensus All-Americans - is high on several of Clemson's 2018 football players.
Four Tigers were on their preseason All-American lists. Three Tigers made the first-team list: senior left tackle Mitch Hyatt, senior defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, and redshirt Junior defensive end Clelin Ferrell. The lone second-teamer was defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The the only remaining starter on the defensive line, Austin Bryant, did not make the list, but it was noted by Sporting News writer Bill Bender that he was considered.
Bender had this to say about Clelin Ferrell and the rest of the Tigers' defensive line:
Ferrell joins Wilkins on the first team, and we considered Dexter Lawrence and Austin Bryant, too. Ferrell totaled 15.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss the last two seasons as an edge-rusher, and he'll continue to produce in that role with one-on-one matchups on the outside.
Bender also gave high praise for Mitch Hyatt:
The former five-star recruit returns as a SN first-team All-American. He has started 27 games for the Tigers the last two seasons and continues to grade out as one of the best linemen in the ACC. He’s versatile, reliable and yet another reason Clemson is the favorite to win its conference.
Bender on defensive leader Christian Wilkins:
Wilkins' decision to stay for another season is a welcome surprise for Clemson. The 2017 SN All-American has compiled 8.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss over the last two seasons, and he's the leader of a group that includes four potential first-round picks. Expect more of the same consistent, dominant play in 2018.
Clemson's three first-teamers were the most of any school. Find out who else made Sporting News' preseason All-American list here.