Datko Named Sporting News Freshman AA

Seminole left tackle becomes the third freshman All-American on the offensive in the last two years.

Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida State true freshman left tackle Andrew Datko was named to Sporting News’ 2008 freshman All-America team on Tuesday. The Weston, FL native is the first Florida State tackle to garner freshman All-America honors since Brett Williams in 1999 and he is the third player to be named a freshman All-American since line coach Rick Trickett came to FSU two years ago.

Following in the footsteps of All-America candidate Rodney Hudson Datko has started 11 straight games as a true freshman. He was named the offense’s top newcomer at the football awards dinner and also the freshman class academic award winner for the offense. Datko has started more games than any true freshman at any position making 11 starts and playing in all 12 games.

The St. Thomas Aquinas product was named a mid-season All-America by Rivals earlier this year. He played 782 snaps, more than any freshman on the line, had a top-two overall grade three times this season and received either the top grade or the second-best grade in run or pass blocking seven times. Datko also recorded 20 knockdowns.

SPORTING NEWS’ 2008 ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM


OFFENSE
QB Robert Griffin, Baylor
RB Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
RB Victor Anderson, Louisville
WR A.J. Green, Georgia
WR Julio Jones, Alabama
TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
T Elvis Fisher, Missouri
G Moe Petrus, Connecticut
C Michael Brewster, Ohio State
G Joel Foreman, Michigan State
T Andrew Datko, Florida State
K Philip Welch, Wisconsin
KR Damaris Johnson, Tulsa


DEFENSE
DE Brandon Harold, Kansas State
DT Billy Winn, Boise State
DT Lawrence Guy, Arizona State
DE Tom Keiser, Stanford
LB Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
LB Mychal Sisson, Colorado State
LB Jerry Franklin, Arkansas
CB Janoris Jenkins, Florida
CB Jordan Mabin, Northwestern
S Sean Baker, Ball State
S Earl Thomas, Texas
P Bryan Anger, California
PR T.Y. Hilton, Florida International

* Courtesy of FSU Sports Info