MONTGOMERY—Jax State linebacker Mac Sanders was selected to The New York Times Freshman All-America first team this week.
 
The McDonough, Ga. native led the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and was the top tackler in the FBS among true freshmen with 77.
 
Sanders has at least one tackle for loss in each of his last five games played. In his first career start, Sanders made a season-best 13 tackles which included one for loss. He also racked up 10 total stops with 1.5 for loss and a key forced fumble in a win over Delaware, and is coming off an 11-tackle performance with 1.5 sacks and a QB hurry in the Air National Guard Conference USA Football Championship Game.
 
He was named Honorable Mention All-Conference USA and was named to the league's All-Freshman Team.
 
The Gamecocks will face Troy in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl tonight at 8 p.m. Central on ESPN.