Adams One of Seven Unanimous All-Americans in 2006

Jan. 22, 2007

Clemson, SC – Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams was named to all five official All-America teams acknowledged by the NCAA in 2006, one of seven unanimous All-Americans this year.

Adams and defensive lineman LaMarr Woodley of Michigan were the only defensive players named to all five teams. The offensive players were Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech, Joe Thomas of Wisconsin, Troy Smith of Ohio State and Steve Slaton of West Virginia. Baylor punter Daniel Sepulveda was also a unanimous selection.

The NCAA recognizes the All-America teams selected by the Associated Press, Football Writers Association, Football Coaches, The Sporting News and the Walter Camp Foundation in naming the consensus and unanimous All-America teams.

Adams joins Terry Kinard (defensive back, 1982) as the only unanimous All-Americans in Clemson football history. This past season, Adams had 12.5 sacks to rank third in the nation. He finished his career with 28 sacks, tying him with Michael Dean Perry for the Clemson career record. He had 62 tackles overall, including 17.5 tackles for loss and a team best 25 quarterback pressures.

Adams scored on touchdown this year on a 66-yard fumble return against Wake Forest, a play that was recognized as a finalist for the Pontiac Game Changing Play of the Year in college football.

Adams graduated on December 21 and is considered a probable first-round draft choice for the NFL draft on April 28.

NCAA Consensus All-Americans for 2006Offense WR-*Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech, 6-5, 235, Junior WR-Robert Meachem, Tennessee, 6-3, 210, Junior WR-Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame, 6-5, 218, Senior TE-Zach Miller, Arizona St., 6-5, 260, Junior OL-Sam Baker, Southern California, 6-5, 305, Junior OL-Justin Blalock, Texas, 6-4, 335, Senior OL-Jake Long, Michigan, 6-7, 313, Senior OL-*Joe Thomas, Wisconsin, 6-8, 313, Senior C-*Dan Mozes, West Virginia, 6-4, 290; Senior QB-*Troy Smith, Ohio St., 6-1, 215, Senior RB-Darren McFadden, Arkansas, 6-2, 205, Sophomore RB-*Steve Slaton, West Virginia, 5-10, 195, Sophomore PK-Justin Medlock, UCLA, 6-0, 197, Senior AP/KR-DeSean Jackson, California, 6-0, 166, Sophomore

Defense DL-*Gaines Adams, Clemson, 6-5, 265, Senior DL-Justin Hickman, UCLA, 6-2, 263, Senior DL-Quinn Pitcock, Ohio St., 6-3, 295, Senior DL-*LaMarr Woodley, Michigan, 6-2, 269, Senior LB-James Laurinaitis, Ohio St., 6-3, 244, Sophomore LB-Patrick Willis, Mississippi, 6-2, 240, Senior LB-Rufas Alexander, Oklahoma, 6-1, 230, Senior LB-H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh, 6-0, 240, Senior LB-Paul Posluszny, Penn St., 6-2, 238, Senior DB-Leon Hall, Michigan, 5-11, 193, Senior DB-Daymeion Hughes, California, 6-0, 188, Senior DB-LaRon Landry, LSU, 6-2, 202, Senior DB-Reggie Nelson, Florida, 6-1, 193, Junior DB-Eric Weddle, Utah, 6-0, 200, Senior P-*Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor, 6-3, 230, Senior

*Indicates unanimous selection.