Four Ohio State players were selected as Walter Camp first-team All-Americans, with an additional two Buckeyes named to the second team.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, linebacker Arvell Reese and safety Caleb Downs each earned Walter Camp first-team All-America honors, while quarterback Julian Sayin and defensive end Caden Curry were named to the second-team Friday night.
Smith earned the honors after surpassing the thousand receiving yard mark for the second straight year. The sophomore wideouts’ total of 1,086 receiving yards rank seventh in the FBS, while Smith is tied for sixth nationally with 11 touchdown receptions.
McDonald, Reese and Downs have all played vital roles along each of their respective defensive units. The junior defensive tackle McDonald ranks fifth on Ohio State with 57 tackles and stands fourth on the Buckeyes in both tackles for loss (eight) and sacks (three). He also had recorded a team-high two forced fumbles.
Downs put together another stellar season for Ohio State with 60 total tackles and two interceptions, which is tied for the team lead. The star safety has allowed zero touchdowns on 336 coverage snaps this season, and is a finalist for the Thorpe Award.
In the midst of a breakout season, Reese was the last Buckeye to earn first-team honors. Reese has skyrocketed himself into talks for the No. 1 overall pick after a 62-tackle, 6.5 sack season where he has served as a game-wrecker for Ohio State’s defense.
Despite being named one of four Heisman finalists, which will be announced Saturday night, Sayin earned second-team honors, ranking 10th among FBS passers with 3,323 receiving yards and is second nationally with 31 passing touchdowns. Sayin also leads the country with a 78.4 completion percentage.
Curry is tied for third on the team with Downs with 60 total tackles. The senior defensive end leads Ohio State with 16.5 tackles for loss, a mark that ranks 14th nationally. Curry is also tied for sixth in the FBS with 11 sacks on the season.
