The Ohio State football team is preparing to face Clemson in the Sugar Bowl as one of the semifinal matchups of the College Football Playoff, but there are some other individual awards starting to trickle in first. It’s a team game, but getting recognition for what you mean to your squad is never a bad thing, especially in Columbus where it helps with recruiting and prestige.
And on that note, it may have been a shortened season, but two Ohio State players had their dreams realized Monday when they were named to the Associated Press All-American team. Both Buckeyes were recognized as First-Teamers according to the release, and both guys are probably a couple that you would have singled out heading into the season.
So what two received the honor? We’re glad you asked.
NEXT … One of the best offensive lineman in the game
Right Guard, Wyatt Davis
The press release on Davis
Davis, from Bellflower, Calif., has started 21 consecutive games at right guard for the Buckeyes and this year has been a leader for a unit that helped Ohio State finish with the Big Ten’s top rushing offense. The Buckeyes rank No. 5 nationally on the ground, averaging 275.6 yards per game and just nine days ago paved the way for RB Trey Sermon to set Ohio State’s single-game rushing record with 331 yards in a win over Northwestern.
The Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year in the Big Ten, Davis is just the fifth guard – and first from Ohio State – to win the award in the last 35 years. His play has also helped the Ohio State line earn recognition as a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award, which goes to the top offensive line unit in the country.
NEXT … A corner with a high, high ceiling
Cornerback, Shaun Wade
The press release on Davis
Wade, a fourth-year junior from Jacksonville, is tops among defensive backs on the Buckeyes with 16 tackles. He’s added three pass breakups and has an interception in each of the last two games. His “pick six” against Indiana on Nov. 21 gave Ohio State a 42-21 lead in the third quarter of a game that they won 42-35.
Like Davis, Wade also earned a major award from the Big Ten Conference: he was selected as the Woodson-Tatum Defensive Back of the Year, becoming the first Buckeye in the 10-year history of the award to win it.
Also, it should be mentioned that defensive tackle Haskell Garrett also was named to the AP All-American team, but as a Second-Teamer. It’s still a huge honor, and probably one in which Garrett didn’t get enough credit for what he’s done this year.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Buckeyes Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.
