Drew Sanders, Ricky Stromberg on Sporting News Midseason All-America Team
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders and center Ricky Stromberg each earned a spot on Sporting News’ 2022 Midseason All-America college football team, the organization announced Tuesday. The Razorbacks are one of five teams to place multiple players on the list.
Sanders paces the SEC and ranks second nationally in sacks (6.5) and forced fumbles (3) this season. The Denton, Texas, product is the first Arkansas defender with three or more forced fumbles in a season since DL McTelvin Agim (3) and DL Armon Watts (3) in 2018. Sanders has a team-leading four games with 10+ tackles, including a pair of multi-sack efforts, and ranks fourth in the league in total tackles with 63. With the help of Sanders, Arkansas leads the conference in sacks (21.0) and sacks per game (3.0). Stuffing the stat sheet in Arkansas’ SEC opener vs. South Carolina, Sanders recorded 11 total tackles with 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup. Since 2000, only two SEC defenders have registered double-digit tackles with 2+ sacks, 2+ forced fumbles and at least one pass breakup in a game: Sanders (Arkansas) vs. South Carolina in 2022 and Greg Hardy (Ole Miss) vs. Alabama in 2007.
Stromberg anchors a dominant Arkansas offensive line that blocks for the SEC’s leading rusher, Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, who has amassed 870 yards on the ground and seven touchdowns so far this season. Behind Stromberg’s blocking, the Razorbacks have recorded a 100-yard rusher in a program-record eight consecutive games dating back to the 2021 season. The Razorbacks rank second in the league in rushing yards per game (240.0) and average 488.57 yards of total offense per game in 2022. Playing in 542 offensive snaps at center this season, Stromberg has allowed zero sacks or quarterback hits. Stromberg helped Arkansas’ offensive line control the line of scrimmage against BYU Saturday, paving way for 644 yards of total offense – its most since compiling 676 yards at Ole Miss in 2021. Stromberg blocked for an offense that totaled 277 yards on the ground with two touchdowns while protecting QB KJ Jefferson, who completed a career high 29 passes for 367 yards and five passing touchdowns against the Cougars.
Sporting News is one of five outlets used to determine consensus All-American status.
Following a bye week, Sanders, Stromberg and the Hogs travel to Auburn for an 11 a.m. CT kick on Saturday, Oct. 29. The game will air on SEC Network. For ticket information, call the Razorback Ticket Center at 479-575-5151 or click here.
