Oct. 10, 2012
Three University of South Carolina football players were named to Phil Steele’s 2012 Midseason All-America team, it was announced today.
Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was a first-team selection, while offensive center T.J. Johnson earned second team accolades. Punt returner Ace Sanders earned a spot on Steele’s fourth team.
Clowney, a 6-6, 256-pound sophomore from Rock Hill, S.C., ranks second in the SEC in both sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (11.5). He is a two-time SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week recipient.
Johnson, a 6-6, 319-pound senior from Aynor, S.C. is the reigning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. He will tie the school record for career starts this week at LSU. He currently has started 46 consecutive games, one shy of the record held by Cliff Matthews.
Sanders, a 5-8, 175-pound junior from Bradenton, Fla., has returned 17 punts for a 15.5-yard average, third in the SEC. A two-time SEC co-Special Teams Player of the Week, Sanders returned a punt 70 yards for a score against Georgia last week.
Steele’s all-conference teams will be announced on Thursday.