Cheevers, Walker Named to FWAA All-America Team

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – The 2018 Football Writers Association of America All-America Team was announced Monday, headlined by Boston College junior defensive back Hamp Cheevers and senior punt returner Michael Walker. Cheevers is the first BC cornerback to be named to the FWAA All-America first-team while Walker becomes the first Eagle to be named as a punt returner to the FWAA All-America second-team.

It is just the second time in school history two Eagles have been named FWAA All-Americans in the same season. Andre Williams was a FWAA All-America first-team selection at running back in 2013 while Nate Freese collected FWAA All-America second-team honors at placekicker.

Cheevers and Walker become the 11^th and 12^th players in school history to be named to the FWAA All-America team.

The FWAA's All-America Committee selected this 75th annual team based on nominations from the entire membership. This is just the sixth season in the modern era (post-1950) that the FWAA has named a second team.

Cheevers was also named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America Second Team, Sports Illustrated All-America Second Team, The Athletic All-America Second Team and the Associated Press All-America Third Team.

Cheevers tied for the nation's lead with seven interceptions in his first year as a starter for the Eagles. He tied for second on the squad with seven pass breakups as well.

Cheevers allowed just 35 receptions on 74 targets in 2018 for 433 yards, according to Pro Football Focus. Cheevers allowed a passer rating when targeted this season of just 40.0, which ranked second in the conference among cornerbacks. Cheevers played in 92% of his team's defensive snaps in 2018 after playing in just 30% last year.

Walker is the nation's leader in combined kick return yards for the second consecutive season after 1,294 combined kick return yards in 2018. An All-ACC Second Team selection, Walker ranks seventh nationally in punt returns this season.

The Florida native ranks among the top three in BC history in career kickoff and punt return yardage. His 74-yard punt return for a touchdown against No. 2 Clemson was the first punt return touchdown of Walker's career.

Boston College returns to a bowl game for the fifth time in six seasons on Wednesday, Dec. 26 in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl against No. 23 Boise State. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. on ESPN and the BC IMG Sports Network.

All-Time Boston College FWAA All-Americans
1976    Steve Schindler, OL
1984    Doug Flutie, QB
1985    Mike Ruth, DL
1991    Mark Chmura, TE
1994    Pete Mitchell, TE
1998    Mike Cloud, RB
2007    Jamie Silva, DB
2010    Luke Kuechly, LB
2011    Luke Kuechly, LB
2013    Andre Williams, RB
Nate Freese, PK (second team)
2018    Hamp Cheevers, CB
            Michael Walker, PR (second team)

2018 Boston College All-Americans
Hamp Cheevers, CB (FWAA First Team, Walter Camp Second Team, The Athletic Second Team, Sports Illustrated Second Team, Associated Press Third Team)
Michael Walker, KR (FWAA Second Team, Walter Camp Second Team)
Chris Lindstrom, OG (The Athletic Second Team, Associated Press Third Team)
Zach Allen, DE (Pro Football Focus Second Team)

Boston College Athletics

Cheevers, Walker Named to FWAA All-America Team

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Players Mentioned

Zach Allen

Hamp Cheevers

Chris Lindstrom

Michael Walker

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