Watkins Named First-Team Freshman All-American by Football Writers Association

Jan. 9, 2012

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson freshman Sammy Watkins was named a first-team freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association. The announcement was made just a few hours prior to the BCS National Championship Game between Alabama and LSU.

Watkins, who was named a first-team AP All-American as an all-purpose player, finished the season with 82 receptions for 1219 yards and 12 touchdowns. He established Clemson records for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns and his reception total was second best in school history (88 by Aaron Kelly in 2007).

Watkins also finished the season with 2288 all-purpose yards, second best in ACC history. C.J. Spiller’s 2680 yards in 2009 is the only total higher.

Watkins was the first freshman in his first year in residence in ACC history to be named a first-team AP All-American and the first at any school since Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson was honored in 2004.

Watkins, who was also named the National Freshman of the Year by Sporting News, led all freshmen nationally in reception yards, touchdowns and all-purpose yards.

#2 Sammy Watkins, WR • National Freshman of the Year by Rivals.com, Columbus Touchdown Club, Sporting News • First-team All-American all-purpose player by Associated Press, first freshman in first year of residence to be named first-team AP All-American since 2004 (Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma) • First-team All-American receiver by Rivals.com, Pro Football Weekly • First-team All-American all-purpose player by Foxsports.net and AP • First-team Freshman All-American by Football Writers Association, Rivals.com, CBSsports.com, College Football news, Sporting News, Phil Steele • Second-team All-America wide receiver by Phil Steele • National Freshman of the Week by Rivals.com vs. Auburn, Florida State and Maryland • National Player of the Week by Rivals.com vs. Maryland • ACC Player of the Week by Rivals.com vs. Maryland • Paul Hornung Co-Player of the Week vs. Maryland, Georgia Tech • Midseason addition to Maxwell Award Watch List • One of 10 semifinalists for Biletnikoff Award • One of 15 semifinalists for Walter Camp Player of the Year • Banks McFadden Award as Top Offensive Player in South Carolina • First-team All-ACC wide receiver by ACC Sports Media Association • First-team All-ACC receiver and kick returner by Phil Steele • Second-team All-ACC kick returner by ACC Sports Media Association • ACC Rookie of the Year by ACC Sports Media Association • ACC Rookie of the Week vs. Wofford, Auburn, Boston College and Maryland • ACC Receiver of the Week vs. Auburn, Florida State and Maryland