Micah Parsons Among 11 AP All-Americans Not Playing This Season

When Penn State coach James Franklin said last week that his 2020 football team had "difference-makers," he was pointing specifically to linebacker Micah Parsons and tight end Pat Freiermuth. Both were recognized Tuesday on the AP preseason All-American Team.

Parsons and Freiermuth, both named to the first team, are among 11 first-team nominees so far who aren't playing in a 2020 fall season. Parsons, a consensus All-American last year, opted out for the 2021 NFL draft prior to the Big Ten's decision to postpone fall sports.

Freiermuth, a second-team All-American last season, has not announced whether he will play in a modified 2021 winter season.

Parsons is among three first-team players (with Purdue receiver Rondale Moore and Pitt defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman) who decided to opt out in 2020. Only Twyman plays for a team currently preparing for a fall season.

Ohio State led Big Ten teams with three nominees: guard Wyatt Davis and cornerback Shaun Wade on the first team and quarterback Justin Fields on the second team.

The AP All-American Team continued a long list of preseason watch-list nominations for Penn State players. Here's a breakdown of the individual awards for which Lions have been nominated.

Bednarik Award: Micah Parsons

Biletnikoff Award: Pat Freiermuth

Butkus Award: Micah Parsons

Doak Walker Award: Journey Brown, Noah Cain

Hornung Award: Journey Brown

Lott IMPACT Trophy: Micah Parsons

Lou Groza Award: Jake Pinegar

Mackey Award: Pat Freiermuth

Manning Award: Sean Clifford

Maxwell Award: Journey Brown, Micah Parsons

Nagurski Trophy: Micah Parsons, Shaka Toney

O’Brien Award: Sean Clifford

Thorpe Award: Lamont Wade

Wuerffel Trophy: Sean Clifford

Get the latest Penn State news by joining the community. Click "Follow" at the top right of our AllPennState page. Mobile users click the notification bell. And please follow AllPennState on Twitter @MarkWogenrich.