All-around sensational talent Caden Sterns, a true freshman, was honored Monday as a Freshman All-America by the Football Writers Association of America.
The accolades for Sterns have been rolling in all season — and postseason — as the Texas Longhorn freshman set new standards and helped “DBU” rise back to its previous levels.
The Cibolo, Texas native showed a true joy playing for the Longhorns, as evidenced by his wide smile during interviews and embracing his “Wolf of DKR” moniker.
Sterns, DBs heeding Huff’s advice
“Guys are out there smiling, before games, during games, and understanding that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at a university like this and to play this sport,” Sterns told Horns Illustrated earlier this season. “When you have that mindset and you have the coaching staff we do, and play freely and notice how hard we train, Saturday is the fun part of what we do.”
Win over USC photo gallery, including Sterns’ big FG block
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Sterns racked up 62 tackles, with 46 of those the solo variety this season, becoming just the 13th Texas Longhorn to earn FWAA Freshman All-America honors.
His blocked field goal in the win over USC will live on forever for ‘Horns fans, as his leap with the subsequent return for a touchdown by Texas giving the squad some momentum in the game, and on through the rest of the season.
“I’m happy, obviously, but satisfied? Nah, it’s not what I came here to do,” Sterns said following that win.
Sterns garnered four interceptions and four pass breakups this season, and more and more teams turned away from targeting Sterns. Those four picks tied him for the most all-time by a true freshman at Texas.
“I’m just trying to go out there and have fun and win for our team,” Sterns said regarding his mentality this season.
DB-Oomph returning DBU pride to Texas
Though Sterns started all 13 games this season, he ultimately was held out of the Sugar Bowl after being injured during the Big 12 Championship game against Oklahoma.
On top of the Freshman All-America honors, Sterns also brought home these accolades for his play this season: All-American by USA TODAY, The Athletic and ESPN, Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and first-team All-Big 12 by both the league’s coaches and the Associated Press.
Here are the 13 Longhorns who have been named FWAA Freshman All-Americas (13)
2018: DB Caden Sterns
2016: OL Zach Shackelford
2015: OL Connor Williams; LB Malik Jefferson
2011: DB Quandre Diggs
2008: S Earl Thomas
2006: QB Colt McCoy
2005: DL Brian Orakpo
2004: DL Frank Okam
2003: OL Justin Blalock
2002: DL Rodrique Wright
2001: LB Derrick Johnson; K Dusty Mangum
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