:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26394011/184247646.0.jpg)
The Football Writers Association of America released their Freshman All-America team Monday afternoon which included Colorado linebacker Addison Gillam. Gillam was one of five representatives from the Pac-12 along with Nate Phillips, Alex Redmond, Eddie Vanderdoes and Myles Jack (yes, that is THREE from UCLA).
Gillam finished first on the team in tackles with 107 tackles, a full 19 ahead of the next closest Buffalo. Gillam, a very lightly recruited recruit that followed Mike MacInytre from San Jose State, started from the get go at middle linebacker after a very impressive fall session. He was a leader on this defense all season long and rarely looked out of place for such a young player.
His selection is a testament to the not only his individual performances and development throughout the season, but also validation for how important he was to the defensive unit. Gillam will be counted on as the leader of the defense going forward and his future looks extremely bright.
Congrats, Addison.