TicketsCINCINNATI – Cincinnati junior cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner collected Associated Press All-America First Team honors on Monday.
The Detroit, Mich., native snagged Football Writers of America Association (FWAA) All-America First Team accolades for a second straight year last week. He was named the unanimous American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-AAC First Team for a third time earlier this season, as well.
According to Pro Football Focus College, Gardner's passer rating when targeted (20.3) was the second-lowest of any player in the nation. He allowed only 17 receptions and 117 yards on just 36 targets all season. He has never allowed a touchdown pass in his career, spanning over 1,000 coverage snaps and three seasons.
In 2021, Gardner has 35 tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups, three sacks, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2021. He also returned a blocked kick 60 yards for a touchdown at East Carolina.
He also snagged First Team All-America honors from CBS Sports/247 Sports, ESPN and the Athletic.
BRYANT SECOND-TEAM AP ALL-AMERICA SELECTION
Senior cornerback Coby Bryant was named a second-team All-American by the AP, adding to his growing list of accolades this season. The Cleveland native was named the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award winner on Thursday as well as a Walter Camp First Team All-American. The Thorpe Award is given to the nation's top defensive back.
Bryant and Gardner are the leaders of a Bearcats defense that ranks No. 1 nationally in pass efficiency defense (100.47), fourth in opponent completion percentage (53.5%), third in interceptions (18), fifth in TD passes allowed (10) and No. 3 in passing yards allowed (168.3).
Bryant has played in 62 games in his career with 49 starts. His career record is 48-14 at Cincinnati, and he's now a two-time AAC Champion. His 45 career passes defended ranks No. 2 in Cincinnati history and his 10 career interceptions is the fifth most among active players.
Bryant was an All-AAC First Team selection 2020 and 2021, was named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
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The Detroit, Mich., native snagged Football Writers of America Association (FWAA) All-America First Team accolades for a second straight year last week. He was named the unanimous American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-AAC First Team for a third time earlier this season, as well.
According to Pro Football Focus College, Gardner's passer rating when targeted (20.3) was the second-lowest of any player in the nation. He allowed only 17 receptions and 117 yards on just 36 targets all season. He has never allowed a touchdown pass in his career, spanning over 1,000 coverage snaps and three seasons.
In 2021, Gardner has 35 tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups, three sacks, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2021. He also returned a blocked kick 60 yards for a touchdown at East Carolina.
He also snagged First Team All-America honors from CBS Sports/247 Sports, ESPN and the Athletic.
BRYANT SECOND-TEAM AP ALL-AMERICA SELECTION
Senior cornerback Coby Bryant was named a second-team All-American by the AP, adding to his growing list of accolades this season. The Cleveland native was named the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award winner on Thursday as well as a Walter Camp First Team All-American. The Thorpe Award is given to the nation's top defensive back.
Bryant and Gardner are the leaders of a Bearcats defense that ranks No. 1 nationally in pass efficiency defense (100.47), fourth in opponent completion percentage (53.5%), third in interceptions (18), fifth in TD passes allowed (10) and No. 3 in passing yards allowed (168.3).
Bryant has played in 62 games in his career with 49 starts. His career record is 48-14 at Cincinnati, and he's now a two-time AAC Champion. His 45 career passes defended ranks No. 2 in Cincinnati history and his 10 career interceptions is the fifth most among active players.
Bryant was an All-AAC First Team selection 2020 and 2021, was named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all the latest information on Cincinnati Athletics, please visit GoBEARCATS.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow Cincinnati Athletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.