BATON ROUGE — LSU center Ben Wilkerson and wide receiver Michael Clayton were both named to the Sporting News Freshman All-America team, the magazine announced on Friday.
Wilkerson, a true freshman from Hemphill, Texas, was named second team All-America by the Sporting News, while Clayton, a true freshman from Baton Rouge, earned a spot on the third team.
Wikerson, who was also named to the Freshman All-SEC team by both the SEC coaches and the Knoxville News, started the final eight games for the Tigers at center. Wilkerson took over at center against Kentucky and never relinquished the role. LSU posted a 7-1 mark with Wilkerson at center.
Wilkerson also serves as LSU’s deep snapper on field goal and PAT attempts.
Clayton played in all 12 games for the Tigers and he ranked second on the team with 47 receptions for 756 yards and six touchdowns. Clayton also rushed for a 29-yard touchdown against Ole Miss.
Clayton caught the game-winning TD pass with 13 seconds left in the Tigers’ 29-25 win over Kentucky. Clayton caught a seven passes for a career-high 126 yards against Alabama and he had a career-high nine receptions for 105 yards and a pair of scores against Kentucky.
Clayton seven total touchdowns were the most for an LSU true freshman since 1982, while his six receiving TDs are the most ever by an LSU true freshman.