PFF: Ikem Ekwonu A First-Team Frosh All-American; Thomas, Knight Honored

NC State true freshman left tackle Ikem Ekwonu's play was noticed this year by Pro Football Focus, who named Ekwonu a first-team freshman All-American.

PFF Freshman All-American Teams: LINK

Here is what the publication had to say about Ekwonu:

“NC State quarterbacks will not have to worry about their blindside for years to come, as Ekwonu shined in his first season and will only improve from here. The left tackle did not allow a single sack in 369 pass-blocking snaps and conceded a pressure rate of 4.6%, which ranks fourth among freshman offensive tackles with at least 100 snaps played. He was also a stalwart in the running game, recording a stellar 85.5 run-blocking grade.”

Ekwonu was also named second-team All-ACC by Pro Football Focus.

Two other true freshmen were also honored.

Linebacker Drake Thomas was named to the third-team, and Zonovan Knight was an honorable mention selection.

Thomas totaled 34 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception this season, and Knight led the Wolfpack in rushing with 745 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 5.48 yards per carry.