Former 4-star recruit Ross Blacklock was awarded Freshman All-American accolades Monday by the Football Writers Association of America.

The defensive tackle started all 14 games for the Horned Frogs this season and totaled 27 tackles on the season, including 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Blacklock was a force on the defensive line all season, one that allowed just over 103 rushing yards per game, good for fifth in the nation. The defense sits at second in the nation in run defense improvement from last season, an improvement of 83.9 yards.

Blacklock is the third Horned Frog freshman to be named an all-American, along with fellow defensive tackle Corey Bethley and wide receiver Jalen Reagor. Bethley and Reagor were named to 247Sports’ True Freshman All-American team.

Blacklock is just one of six returning defensive starters for the Horned Frogs next season, a defense that ranks 19th nationally and sits atop the Big 12.