This is the first season I have been a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Because of my membership, I have the privilege to cast a vote for the FWAA All-America team. Below are the nominations I submitted and some stats that came into play when thinking about which players deserve recognition.

DEFENSE/OFFENSIVE LINE – 11/17

Defensive Linemen

• Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh: has 22.5 TFLs and 10 sacks through 10 games.
• Vic Beasley, Clemson: has 17.0 TFLs and 10 sacks through 10 games.
• Michael Sam, Missouri: has 16.0 TFLs and 10 sacks through 10 games.
• Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State: 11.0 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and 2 fumble return TDs through 10 games.

Linebackers

• Trent Murphy, Stanford: has 25 solo tackles, 18.0 TFLs, 4 QB hurries and 3 pass break-ups through 10 games.
• CJ Mosley, Alabama: 43 solo tackles, 7.0 TFLS, 7 QB hurries and 5 pass break-ups through 10 games.
• Chris Borland, Wisconsin: 48 solo tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 4 QB hurries and 2 pass break-ups through 9 games.

Defensive Backs

• Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State: has 36 solo tackles, 6.5 TFLs and 3 pass break-ups through 10 games.
• Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State: has 10 passes defended, 7 pass break-ups and 3 interceptions through 10 games.
• Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State: has 53 solo tackles, 3.0 TFLs, 4 pass break-ups, 3 interceptions and 2 INT TDs through 10 games.
• Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss: has 38 solo tackles, 3.0 TFLs, 6 pass break-ups and 2 forced fumbles through 9 games.

Offensive Linemen (national team stats and rankings)

• Jake Matthews, Texas A&M: 578.0 YPG in total offense (No. 3), 180.73 team passing efficiency (No. 3) and 49.2 scoring offense PPG (No. 5).
• David Yankey, Stanford: 0.500 on 3rd down conversions (No. 16).
• Cyril Richardson, Baylor: 684.8 YPG in total offense (No. 1), 198.82 team passing efficiency (No. 1) and 61.2 scoring offense PPG (No. 1).
• Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama: 0.714 on 4th down conversions (No. 9) and 160.49 team passing efficiency (No. 11).
• Hroniss Grasu, Oregon: 580.2 YPG in total offense (No. 2), 172.04 team passing efficiency (No. 6) and 50.9 scoring offense PPG (No. 3).