Three Sooners Make Sporting News All-America Teams

Three members of the Oklahoma football team were named All-Americans by the Sporting News on Tuesday as junior quarterback Baker Mayfield and senior linebacker Eric Striker were named to the first team, while junior cornerback Zack Sanchez was placed on the second team.

Four of the five teams used to determine consensus All-Americans have now been released and Tuesday's recognition marks the second time one of those organizations tabbed Mayfield as a first-team All-American. Previously, he was named a first-team All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation last Thursday.

Mayfield ranks No. 2 nationally in yards per pass attempt (9.6) and pass efficiency rating (178.9), No. 6 in passing TDs (35) and points responsible for per game (21.0) and No. 7 in pass completion percentage (.686). The Burlsworth Trophy winner has accounted for 42 touchdowns and only five turnovers (8.4 to 1 ratio) on the season and has helped OU surpass 500 yards of total offense in nine of 12 games, including each of the last seven.

In addition, he has thrown for at least one touchdown in all 12 games and for at least three TDs in eight contests. He has also rushed for 420 yards and seven scores.

Striker's first-team status is his first of the season on the five major All-America squads after being named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press and Football Writers Association of America. An All-Big 12 First Team selection by the league's coaches, Striker leads Oklahoma with 16.0 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks this season. OU's all-time sacks leader among linebackers, Striker ranks second and fifth, respectively, in those categories within the league and 24th and 42nd, nationally.

Striker is fourth on the squad with 61 tackles and has a team-best 11 quarterback hurries to go with three pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Sanchez was given his second distinction as a second-team All-American after previously earning the honor from Walter Camp. He leads the Big 12 and is fourth in the country with six interceptions in 10 games, a rate of 0.6 per contest. In addition, he's second in the league in passes defended per game (1.3). Twice this year Sanchez has posted multiple interceptions in a game, doing so against TCU and Kansas State.

The fifth and final All-America team comes out Wednesday when the American Football Coaches Association announces its team. The Consensus All-America Team will then be released on Thursday or Friday of this week.