Eric Gentry Named to Maxwell Freshman All-American Team
PHILADELPHIA - Sun Devil linebacker Eric Gentry was named a Freshman All-American, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday morning.
Gentry emerged as the season has progressed, developing into one of the nation's most impressive newcomers at the linebacker position. The Maxwell Football Club recognized 22 players on their Freshman All-American team, with Gentry featured as one of only three linebackers.
??BREAKING??
Announcing this year's Freshman All-American Team, a collection of young stars from across the country... pic.twitter.com/bHJDjeKktZ
— Rich Cirminiello (@RichCirminiello) November 29, 2021
Earning his second career start in the season finale against Arizona, Gentry was all over the field in Arizona State's 38-15 victory for their fifth-straight Territorial Cup win. He collected six tackles (five solo), one tackle for loss, and one sack while taking on more responsibility with communicating the defense. ASU led by Gentry and company allowed only six second-half points to seal the win.
The Philadelphia native has wasted no time making an impact in Tempe, putting together a memorable freshman campaign. He finished his first regular season with 40 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and two pass breakups in 12 games. He is one of just three true freshman linebackers in the Pac-12 to play at least 250 snaps. The highlight of the season came on a crucial fourth down stop, when he tackled UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the backfield for a momentum-changing play.
Not only has he produced statistically, he is rated extremely well by Pro Football Focus. Gentry is the second-highest graded true freshman linebacker overall on defense in the FBS. He has displayed a well-rounded game, equally as effective in coverage as he is in the run game. PFF rates him as the second-highest graded true freshman linebacker in coverage in the the FBS (76.0). Gentry has been credited with only five missed tackles, tied for 9th among true freshmen FBS linebackers with 250+ snaps. That is tied for fourth-fewest missed tackles of any linebacker in the Pac-12 with 250+ snaps. Regardless of year, PFF rates him as the fifth-highest graded Pac-12 linebacker.
He continues to add to a growing trophy case. Earlier in the year, Gentry was named a candidate for the Shaun Alexander FBS Freshman of the Year. He is the first Sun Devil to earn Freshman All-American honors since Jayden Daniels made ESPN's team back in 2019. Gentry joins Merlin Robertson as the second linebacker to become a Freshman All-American in the Herm Edwards' era.
Arizona State awaits their postseason fate, having clinched a spot in a bowl game thanks to an 8-4 regular season. Stay tuned to our website (TheSunDevils.com) and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates.