Carr, Lambert, and Johnson dominate The Athletic's Freshman All-America teams, showcasing explosive talent and future stardom for Notre Dame.
The first Freshman All-American team was announced today and as expected Notre Dame was well represented. Quarterback CJ Carr, offensive lineman Guerby Lambert and safety Tae Johnson were all named to the Freshman All-America teams from The Athletic.
Johnson was named to the first-team Freshman All-America team from The Athletic after a brilliant first season in the starting lineup. Johnson was an early standout in fall camp but only played nine snaps in the season opening loss to Miami. That began to change in the coming weeks and by the time we got to October he was a starter. Once he finally emerged as the main defender opposite Adon Shuler his game took off and the Irish defense benefitted from it greatly.
Johnson finished his rookie season fourth on the team with 48 tackles and he was second on the team with four interceptions. Johnson led the Irish defense with 35 solo tackles despite the limited snaps in the opener and missing the final two games with a hand injury. He range, instincts and playmaking ability were tremendous assets for the Irish defense. Johnson also scored twice this season, returning a blocked punt for a touchdown against Texas A&M and an interception for a score in the win over Pitt. Johnson also picked off a pair of passes in the win over Boston College.
Carr named to the second team after emerging as one of the nation's top passers this season. The Michigan native showed poise beyond his years all season, and he showed the ability to make big plays in big moments for the Irish. Carr finished the season with 2,741 passing yards and 27 total touchdowns for the Irish. He ranked second in all of college football with a 9.4 yards per attempt average and his passer rating of 168.06 was fifth in the country.
Carr's first season also saw him obliterate the best passer rating season in school history. His 168.06 passer rating broke the record of 161.40 that was previously shared by Jimmy Clausen (2009) and Bob Williams (1949). Carr's 66.6-percent completion rate was the fourth best mark in program history. Carr's yards per attempt average (9.4) was the third best single season mark in school history.
Also a second team honoree, Lambert was thrust into the starting lineup after an offseason injury to Charles Jagusah, but he made the most of it. He quickly got comfortable in the starting lineup and was an outstanding first year blocker for the Irish. Lambert was a punishing run blocker all season and he quickly developed into a strong pass blocker as well, giving up just eight pressures and one sack all season according to Pro Football Focus. Lambert has the makings of the next star offensive lineman for Notre Dame.
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