Football
5 Michigan Football Stars Earn All-American Honors, Led by Mason Graham
2024-12-17
Michigan football's Mason Graham has undeniably emerged as the best defensive tackle in college football. Standing at 6 feet 3 and weighing 320 pounds, this junior prospect is set to be a top-10 selection in April's NFL draft. On Tuesday, he was named to the Football Writers Association of America's first team, adding yet another prestigious honor to his already impressive resume. Graham has now achieved recognition four times, having previously earned the accolades from the Walter Camp Football Foundation, the American Football Coaches Association, and the Associated Press.

Michigan's Mason Graham - A Defensive Force to Be Reckoned With

Section 1: Mason Graham's Dominance

Mason Graham's impact on the field is truly remarkable. In the 2024 season, he amassed 45 tackles, with seven of those resulting in losses. His 3½ sacks showcased his ability to disrupt the opposing offense with sheer power and technique. Additionally, he added three pass breakups and a forced fumble, demonstrating his all-around defensive skills. His consistent performance has earned him a well-deserved place among the college football elite.Not only has Graham been recognized by various organizations, but he has also set a high standard for future defensive tackles. His size, strength, and athleticism make him a force to be reckoned with, and opponents often struggle to find ways to block him. His dominance on the line of scrimmage has been a key factor in Michigan's defensive success.

Section 2: Graham's Impact on the Team

Graham's presence on the Michigan football team has had a significant impact on the entire defense. His leadership and tenacity inspire his teammates to perform at their best. His ability to make big plays and create turnovers has given the team a much-needed boost. When Graham is on the field, opponents know that they are in for a tough battle.His success has also helped to attract other talented players to the team. Younger defensive linemen look up to Graham and strive to emulate his game. His leadership by example has helped to create a winning culture within the Michigan football program.

Section 3: The Postseason Recognition

Graham's postseason recognition is a testament to his exceptional skills. In addition to being named to the Football Writers Association of America's first team, he has also earned honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation, the American Football Coaches Association, and the Associated Press. This four-time recognition is a rare achievement and shows that Graham is truly one of the best in the country.If Graham makes the Sporting News team, he could become the 27th unanimous All-American in Michigan history. This would be a remarkable feat and would solidify his place in college football history. His postseason success is a reflection of his hard work and dedication to the game.

Section 4: Other Notable Performances

While Mason Graham has been the star of the defense, there have been other notable performances as well. Defensive back Will Johnson, who played in just six games, earned a spot on the Walter Camp and American Football Coaches Association second teams, as well as a third-team nod from the Associated Press. He set a program record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns, two of which came in the first month of the season.Kenneth Grant, Graham's fellow defensive lineman, was named third team by the AP. Despite being undecided on the draft, Grant finished with 32 tackles, 6½ for loss, three sacks, five pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. His performance has also been valuable to the team.On the other side of the ball, Colston Loveland was named second-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America. As a projected first-round pick, Loveland set a U-M record for receptions by a tight end in a single season with 56 and led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns.Finally, kicker Dominic Zvada was named second team All-American by the AP. Despite being left off the Lou Groza finalists list, Zvada was incredible in 2024, connecting on 17 of 18 field goal attempts, including a perfect and program-record 7-for-7 performance from 50 yards or further. His recent declaration to return in 2025 for his senior season shows his commitment to the team.
More Stories
see more