With the college football season now over, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) unveiled their 2016 Freshman All-American Team. This team is voted on by an FWAA committee, with one representative from each conference. In 2016, three Texans made the team after great freshman seasons.
Zach Shackleford, OL (Texas)
The true freshman from Belton made nine starts in his first season in Austin. He was a big part of an offensive line that paved the way for running back D’Onta Foreman 2,028 yards rushing this season. Shackleford was also named honorable mention All-Big 12 and is a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
Ed Oliver, DT (Houston)
The true freshman from Houston was a breakout star in his first year with the Cougars. He finished the year with 61 tackles, including 19.5 tackles for loss. He also led the country with nine pass breakups and led all freshmen in the American Athletic Conference with five sacks. The Westfield High defensive star should have plenty of opportunities to make plays in the future for head coach Major Applewhite.
Josiah Tauaefa, LB (UTSA)
The redshirt freshman from Lake Dallas High School was an impact player on defense for the Roadrunners. He led the Roadrunners in tackles (115), had nine tackles for loss, and was second on the team in sacks (6). Tauaefa was a big part of UTSA’s season that ended in their first ever trip to a bowl game. Like Ed Oliver in Houston, he should be a staple for the Roadrunner defense for the foreseeable future.
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