THOMASVILLE — Thomas County Central alum and current Clemson defensive end Austin Bryant is in the midst of a breakout junior campaign, and he is receiving a ton of national attention as a result.

Bryant was named to the Walter Camp All-America second team on Thursday. On Monday, the former Yellow Jacket was included on the Associated Press third team All-American list. The Football Writers Association of America put him higher up, naming him a first team All-American. He was the only Clemson representative on the FWAA first team.

The standout junior missed a good chunk of 2016 with a foot injury, but has returned to become a big piece of the Tigers’ stout defensive line. Through 13 games, Bryant has logged 54 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two pass breakups, 10 quarterback pressures and an interception. The pick came on a leaping one-handed tip and catch against Virginia Tech. 

Clemson will face Alabama in the Sugar Bowl on New Years’ Day for the semifinal found of the College Football Playoff.