Julio Jones and Dont’a Hightower made big impacts on the 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide. Thursday saw Jones and Hightower named Freshmen All-Americans by the Football Writers Association of America. Here is the information from the University:
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama true freshmen Julio Jones and Dont’a Hightower were selected to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-America team on Thursday.
The Crimson Tide was the only team in the country to place two players on the FWAA Freshman All-America.
Jones, a native of Foley, Ala., produced an amazing rookie campaign in Tuscaloosa, setting school freshman records for receptions (58), receiving yards (924) and touchdowns (4).
Hightower, a native of Lewisburg, Tenn., was fourth on the team with 64 tackles while registering 2.5 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries. He started 12 games, playing in all 14 contests with six quarterback hurries.
Jones and Hightower were just the 10 th and 11th true freshman to start a season opener for Alabama since freshmen became eligible again by the NCAA in 1972.