Williams named all-American

Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams on Tuesday was named third-team all-American by the Sporting News, becoming the third Hokies freshman running back to be recognized as an all-American.

Williams rushed for an ACC freshman-record 1,538 yards in his remarkable debut season. He needs only 110 yards to break Virginia Tech's single-season record set by Kevin Jones in 2003.

Jones was a freshman all-American as a consensus selection in 2003. Lee Suggs was a third-team all-American after his 2000 freshman season.

"I think this honor is truly deserving and Ryan had a great year," Billy Hite, the Hokies' running backs coach, said in a statement. "The things he did from Game 1 to Game 12 have been absolutely amazing."

Williams was one of three freshman to make the Sporting News' all-American team. Pittsburgh's Dion Lewis was named to the second team, while Oregon's LaMichael James made the third time with Williams.

There are five nationally recognized all-American squads: the Associated Press, Walter Camp, Sporting News, Football Writers Association of America and American Football Coaches Association.