Let’s all appreciate the dominance of Cody Allen
October 20, 2016Tame the Lions: Ohio State – Penn State Preview
October 20, 2016Heading into Week 8 of the college football season, things are beginning to pan out, whether it be in conference standings, national rankings, and even individual players making a name for themselves. On Wednesday, three major sports outlets — ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Sporting News — released their mid-season All-American lists.
The three combined lists feature six Ohio State Buckeyes: quarterback J.T. Barrett, H-Back Curtis Samuel, offensive guard Billy Price, center Pat Elflein, linebacker Raekwon McMillan, and safety Malik Hooker.
J.T. Barrett
The redshirt junior only made the the SI list, listed as a member of the second-team. With Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson having a breakout season and leading the Heisman race, it will be hard for No. 16 to beat out Jackson.
So far this season, the dual-threat quarterback has totaled 1,207 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions while completing 96-of-152 (63 percent) of his passes. He has also ran for 434 yards and six touchdowns as well. Only six games into his junior campaign, Barrett has already broken the school record for all-time passing touchdowns and touchdowns accounted for.
Curtis Samuel
One of head coach Urban Meyer’s top playmakers this fall, Curtis Samuel has made quite a name for himself already, which is why he made the Sporting News midseason All-American team. The fact that he only made one team is kind of embarrassing, honestly.
But, through six games, the junior has 62 carries for 456 yards and three touchdowns and 29 catches for 403 yards and three touchdowns. Outside of throwing the ball (which he still might be able to do), No. 4 can truly do it all on Ohio State’s offense, no matter where he is lined up.
Billy Price
Offensive lineman rarely ever get on the stat sheet, but Billy Price is one of the main reasons why the Buckeyes’ ground game has done so well this season. Whether it’s blocking at the line of scrimmage or downfield, the junior has helped open up holes for guys like Barrett, Mike Weber, and Samuel.
For his efforts, Price has been named to Sports Illustrated’s midseason All-American team.
Pat Elflein
Like Price, Pat Elflein will rarely every get on the stat sheet, but he is been one of Ohio State’s top players after deciding to return for his fourth and final season. The redshirt senior moved to center this fall and it’s paid dividends. Whether it’s controlling the offensive line or creating holes for runners, Elflein has been very important to the Buckeyes this season.
Somehow, he only made two of the three lists: Sports Illustrated and Sporting News.
Raekwon McMillan
The quarterback of the defense, Raekwon McMillan has proven why he’s one of the best linebackers in college football thus far. So far this season, the junior has totaled 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two passes defended.
Whether it’s clogging up holes in the run game, going out in pass coverage, or just being a leader of the defense, McMillan is one of the best defenders in the country. No. 5 was able to make all three All-American lists this midseason.
Malik Hooker
The fact that Malik Hooker didn’t play much prior to this season is truly incredible. The ballhawking safety has already secured himself as one of the top safeties and defensive backs in the country just six games into his first season starting full-time. Whether it’s his ability to know where the ball is going or using his speed to get one step ahead, the redshirt sophomore has accumulated 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two passes defended, four interceptions (fifth in the country), and one pick-six already this season.
Only six games into the season, Hooker has made quite a name for himself already. He easily made all three All-American lists.