AP Honors All-Time All-America Team for 100-Year Anniversary
In a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the All-America team, the Associated Press has announced an impressive roster featuring some of college football’s greatest talents.
First Team Highlights
Offense:
- Wide Receivers: Randy Moss (Marshall, 1997) and Larry Fitzgerald (Pittsburgh, 2003) showcased exceptional skills during their college years.
- Offensive Tackles: Orlando Pace (Ohio State, 1995-96) and Bill Fralic (Pittsburgh, 1982-84) were forceful presences on the line.
- Guards: John Hannah (Alabama, 1972) and Jim Parker (Ohio State, 1956) provided solid blocking.
- Center: Chuck Bednarik (Penn, 1947-48) anchored the offensive front.
- Tight End: Brock Bowers (Georgia, 2023) represents the latest talent in this storied tradition.
- Quarterback: Tim Tebow (Florida, 2007) is celebrated for his leadership and skill on the field.
- Running Backs: Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State, 1988) and Herschel Walker (Georgia, 1980-82) are legends known for their explosive plays.
- Kicker: Sebastian Janikowski (Florida State, 1998-99) ranked among the best.
- All-Purpose Player: Johnny Rodgers (Nebraska, 1972) made a lasting impact.
Defense:
- Defensive Ends: Hugh Green (Pittsburgh, 1978-80) and Randy White (Maryland, 1974) brought tenacity to the game.
- Defensive Tackles: Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska, 2009) and Bronko Nagurski (Minnesota, 1929) were known for their dominant defenses.
- Linebackers: Dick Butkus (Illinois, 1964), Derrick Thomas (Alabama, 1988), and Chris Spielman (Ohio State, 1986-87) were standout defenders.
- Cornerbacks: Charles Woodson (Michigan, 1996-97) and Deion Sanders (Florida State, 1987-88) excelled in coverage.
- Safeties: Ronnie Lott (Southern California, 1980) and Ed Reed (Miami, 2000-01) made crucial plays in the backfield.
- Punter: Tory Taylor (Iowa, 2023) rounded out the first-team selections.
Second Team Recognition
Offense:
- Wide Receivers: DeVonta Smith (Alabama, 2020) and Desmond Howard (Michigan, 1991) made notable contributions.
- Offensive Tackles: Jonathan Ogden (UCLA, 1995) and Bryant McKinnie (Miami, 2001) protected their quarterbacks well.
- Guards: Brad Budde (Southern California, 1979) and John Smith (Notre Dame, 1927) were influential.
- Center: Dave Rimington (Nebraska, 1981-82) was a standout player.
- Tight End: Keith Jackson (Oklahoma, 1986-87) contributed significantly.
- Quarterback: Vince Young (Texas, 2005) displayed remarkable athleticism.
- Running Backs: Archie Griffin (Ohio State, 1974-75) and Tony Dorsett (Pittsburgh, 1976) brought electrifying style.
- Kicker: Martin Gramatica (Kansas State, 1997) was a reliable choice.
- All-Purpose Player: Tim Brown (Notre Dame, 1986-87) made his mark in various roles.
Defense:
- Defensive Ends: Bubba Smith (Michigan State, 1966) and Bruce Smith (Virginia Tech, 1984) dominated the trenches.
- Defensive Tackles: LeeRoy Selmon (Oklahoma, 1975) and Warren Sapp (Miami, 1994) were formidable forces.
- Linebackers: Jerry Robinson (UCLA, 1976-78), Brian Bosworth (Oklahoma, 1985-86), and Lawrence Taylor (North Carolina, 1980) are all-time greats.
- Cornerbacks: Champ Bailey (Georgia, 1998) and Tyrann Mathieu (LSU, 2011) showcased their talent on the field.
- Safeties: Bennie Blades (Miami, 1986-87) and Al Brosky (Illinois, 1951) played pivotal roles.
- Punter: Reggie Roby (Iowa, 1981) completed the second-team lineup.
This recognition showcases the outstanding achievements of these players and their contributions to college football over the decades.
