Clemson and Alabama newcomers lead USA TODAY Sports' Freshman All-America football team

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore and Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain II top the USA TODAY Sports Freshman All-America team for 2018, a list of college football's next wave of rising stars.

Lawrence was an easy pick at quarterback after stepping into the starting lineup in late September and leading the Tigers to another Atlantic Coast Conference championship and the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff. Moore led the nation in receptions during the regular season.

A second Alabama newcomer, Jaylen Waddle, joined Moore at wide receiver after making 41 receptions for 803 yards during the regular season. On a per-route basis, Waddle was among the most productive receivers in the country. 

Clemson, Alabama, Texas, Syracuse and Penn State each had two selections. Central Florida offensive lineman Cole Schneider, Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins and Troy linebacker Carlton Martial represented teams from the Group of Five conferences.

OFFENSE

QB: Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

RB: Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma

RB: Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State

WR: Rondale Moore, Purdue

WR: Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

TE: Pat Freiermuth, Penn State

OL: Isaiah Wilson, Georgia

OL: Abraham Lucas, Washington State

OL: Penei Sewell, Oregon

OL: Cole Schneider, Central Florida

OL: Samuel Cosmi, Texas

DEFENSE

DL: Xavier Thomas, Clemson

DL: Wyatt Hubert, Kansas State

DL: Jay Tufele, Southern California

DL: Chris Rumph II, Duke

LB: Zaven Collins, Tulsa

LB: Carlton Martial, Troy

LB: Merlin Robertson, Arizona State

CB: Paulson Adebo, Stanford

CB: Patrick Surtain II, Alabama

S: Caden Sterns, Texas

S: Andre Cisco, Syracuse

SPECIALISTS

K: Andre Szmyt, Syracuse 

P: Joe Doyle, Tennessee

ALL-PURPOSE: KJ Hamler, Penn State