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Three Buckeyes players recognized as All-Americans by The Athletic

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•12/07/22•

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Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau is one of three Buckeyes players listed as an All-American by The Athletic. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — A week into December, and awards season continues to mow along. The Athletic put out its annual All-American teams Wednesday. It’s a list that recognizes 50 players across 32 schools.

Ohio State is tied with Georgia, Alabama, USC and Illinois for the most selections. Each of those teams boasts three All-Americans, according to The Athletic.

Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. were named first teamers by the outlet, while defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau was tabbed a second teamer.

The Athletic first-team All-American: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the best receiver in college football. Harrison is tied for fourth nationally with 12 touchdown grabs this season. He’s one of two Buckeyes wideouts to go over 1,000 yards on the year (the other is Emeka Egbuka). Harrison might not have the most receiving yards, but he’s arguably displayed the most talent of any receiver in the country. He’s been targeted 108 times this year and has just one drop. Plus, he’s tied for second in the FBS with 18 contested catches, according to Pro Football Focus. Harrison has flexed his 6-foot-4 frame, using his big catch radius to snatch passes, often while finding ways to keep his feet or a foot in bounds.

The Athletic first-team All-American: OT Paris Johnson Jr.

Paris Johnson Jr. moved from right guard to left tackle this past offseason, and he’s thrived in his new role. Johnson has done an exceptional job protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud’s blind side. He’s played at least 750 snaps for the second consecutive season. Although he gave up his first sack since his freshman year in Ohio State’s regular season finale defeat to Michigan, per PFF, he’s conceded just 10 total pressures — four fewer than he allowed as an interior O-Lineman in 2021. That’s tied for 13th nationally among tackles with 700-plus snaps this season, according to PFF. Additionally, Johnson has registered an 80.8 PFF run blocking grade.

The Athletic second-team All-American: DE J.T. Tuimoloau

J.T. Tuimoloau ranked second among all Buckeyes defenders — behind only Zach Harrison — with 30 pressures generated this season, per PFF. At times, the sophomore defensive end has wreaked havoc in the backfield. He turned in an all-world game at Penn State, where he was responsible for four Ohio State takeaways. Tuimoloau logged six total tackles, including three TFLs; two sacks; one forced fumble; one pass break-up, which set up a Harrison interception; and two interceptions of his own, the latter of which was returned for a touchdown. Tuimoloau wrapped the regular season with 28 total tackles, most notably 10.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks.

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