Clemson football quarterback Trevor Lawrence was clearly the best quarterback in the ACC this season, but he wasn’t voted first-team all-conference.
18 Clemson football players were named to the 2018 All-ACC team that was released Monday afternoon.
Five Tigers were on the first-team for the conference, which was second-most behind NC State (6).
Even with those accolades, though, it was clear that one Tiger was completely snubbed for All-ACC first-team. That Tiger was freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
NC State quarterback Ryan Finley was voted the first-team QB. While that may seem like the obvious choice, it’s pretty clear to me that ACC media didn’t watch much football before voting on this list.
Finley finished with more yardage than Lawrence because he played the entire season as the starter. Even with that stat, though, you’ll find that Lawrence led the ACC in passing touchdowns (22) and QB Rating (156.8). Lawrence also has only thrown four interceptions all season compared to Finley’s eight.
Choose the better player…
With the stats almost similar across the board, I think the media should’ve considered which player has led his team to an undefeated season and possible College Football Playoff berth. It’s not Ryan Finley.
Now, I’m not saying that Finley isn’t a good quarterback. Finley is very good and I understand wanting to give the senior accolades, but when stats are basically equal, it should be given to the better player.
If you’ve watched the two quarterbacks play all season, you would know that Trevor Lawrence is just that.
No matter the accolade, the freshman was the best quarterback in the ACC this year.
Outside of Lawrence (second-team All-ACC), there were 17 other Tigers selected. Here’s a look at who they were and where they fall:
First-Team:
- Travis Etienne (RB)
- Mitch Hyatt (OT)
- Clelin Ferrell (DE)
- Dexter Lawrence (DT)
- Christian Wilkins (DT)
Second-Team:
- Trevor Lawrence (QB)
- Tee Higgins (WR)
- Tremayne Anchrum (OT)
- Sean Pollard (OG)
- Justin Falcinelli (C)
- Tre Lamar (LB)
- Trayvon Mullen (CB)
Third-Team:
- Hunter Renfrow (WR)
- John Simpson (OG)
- Austin Bryant (DE)
- Kendall Joseph (LB)
- AJ Terrell (CB)
- Tanner Muse (S)