Three Tennessee football players were named as Football Writers Association of America 2025 Freshman All-Americans on Wednesday.
Wide receiver Braylon Staley, offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. and linebacker Edwin Spillman were named to the organization’s 25th Freshman All-America Team. Tennessee’s three selections represent a program record since the inception of the team in 2001. Tennessee was one of five schools to have multiple players named to the 2025 team. Georgia also had three players recognized.
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Staley, who was named SEC Freshman of the Year by both the Associated Press and the league’s coaches, ranked second nationally among freshman with 68 receptions. He also finished second in receiving yards (837) and fourth in touchdown receptions with six.
Sanders Jr. was the first Tennessee offensive lineman named to the team since Trey Smith in 2019. After missing the first four games of the season, Sanders Jr. played in nine contests at right tackle, including six starts. He did not allow a sack in eight of the nine games he appeared in.
Spillman led all SEC freshmen in tackles. He also led the Vols with 81 tackles and was tied for 10th in the conference. Spillman also totaled 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups, one interception and three quarterback hurries, while starting six games.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Three Tennessee football players named Freshman All-Americans
