**1998 All-America College Football Team**
The 1998 All-America college football team is a selection of the best American college football players from the 1998 NCAA Division I-A season, as chosen by various organizations and media outlets. These players were recognized for their outstanding performance and contributions to their teams during the season, earning them a place among the nation’s elite collegiate athletes.
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## Overview
The All-America team is an annual tradition in college football, highlighting the top players at each position across all teams in the NCAA Division I-A (now known as the Football Bowl Subdivision). The 1998 All-America team was compiled from selections made by several prominent organizations, including the Associated Press (AP), the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), The Sporting News (TSN), and the Walter Camp Football Foundation (WCFF).
These organizations evaluate players based on their individual statistics, impact on games, leadership, and overall excellence during the season. The 1998 team featured a mix of future NFL stars and standout collegiate athletes who left a lasting mark on the sport.
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## Selection Process
### Organizations Involved
The All-America team selections are made by multiple independent bodies, each with its own criteria and voting members:
– **Associated Press (AP):** A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who cover college football nationally.
– **Football Writers Association of America (FWAA):** Composed of journalists who specialize in college football coverage.
– **American Football Coaches Association (AFCA):** Votes are cast by college football coaches.
– **The Sporting News (TSN):** A sports magazine with a long history of college football coverage.
– **Walter Camp Football Foundation (WCFF):** Named after Walter Camp, the „Father of American Football,” this foundation selects All-America teams based on input from coaches and sports information directors.
### Consensus All-Americans
Players who are selected as first-team All-Americans by a majority of these organizations are designated as consensus All-Americans. This status is highly prestigious and indicates broad recognition of a player’s excellence.
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## 1998 All-America Team Selections
The 1998 All-America team is divided into offensive, defensive, and special teams units, reflecting the standard positions in American football.
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### Offensive Selections
#### Quarterback
– **Tim Couch, Kentucky:** Couch was a standout quarterback known for his strong arm and leadership. He led Kentucky to a successful season and was a top NFL draft prospect.
#### Running Backs
– **Ricky Williams, Texas:** Williams had a dominant season, rushing for over 2,000 yards and winning the Heisman Trophy.
– **Ron Dayne, Wisconsin:** Dayne was a powerful runner who consistently gained tough yards and was a key offensive weapon for Wisconsin.
#### Wide Receivers
– **Torry Holt, NC State:** Holt was known for his speed and reliable hands, making him a favorite target in the passing game.
– **David Boston, Ohio State:** Boston combined size and athleticism to become one of the nation’s top receivers.
#### Tight End
– **Freddie Jones, North Carolina:** Jones was a versatile tight end who contributed both as a receiver and blocker.
#### Offensive Line
– **Leonard Davis, Texas:** Davis was a dominant offensive tackle known for his strength and technique.
– **Chris Dishman, Nebraska:** Dishman anchored the offensive line with his blocking prowess.
– **Adam Meadows, Georgia:** Meadows was a key protector for his quarterback and a run-blocking force.
– **Chris Naeole, Colorado:** Naeole was recognized for his consistency and leadership on the line.
– **Jon Stinchcomb, Georgia:** Stinchcomb was a reliable and technically sound offensive tackle.
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### Defensive Selections
#### Defensive Ends
– **Jared DeVries, Iowa:** DeVries was a disruptive force on the defensive line, known for his pass-rushing ability.
– **Julius Peppers, North Carolina:** Peppers was a dominant defensive end with exceptional athleticism and strength.
#### Defensive Tackles
– **Travis Hall, NC State:** Hall was a stout interior lineman who excelled at stopping the run.
– **Kenny Holmes, Tennessee:** Holmes was a powerful presence in the middle of the defensive line.
#### Linebackers
– **Dat Nguyen, Texas A&M:** Nguyen was a tackling machine and defensive leader.
– **Brian Simmons, North Carolina:** Simmons was known for his speed and coverage skills.
– **Andy Katzenmoyer, Ohio State:** Katzenmoyer was a versatile linebacker with a nose for the ball.
#### Defensive Backs
– **Antoine Winfield, Ohio State:** Winfield was a shutdown cornerback with excellent coverage skills.
– **Champ Bailey, Georgia:** Bailey was a dynamic defensive back known for his speed and playmaking ability.
– **Charles Woodson, Michigan:** Woodson was a versatile defensive back and return specialist who won the Heisman Trophy in 1997 and continued to excel in 1998.
– **Dré Bly, North Carolina:** Bly was a ball-hawking cornerback with a knack for interceptions.
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### Special Teams Selections
#### Kicker
– **Jonathan Ruffin, Cincinnati:** Ruffin was a reliable placekicker with a strong leg.
#### Punter
– **Brent Bartholomew, Florida State:** Bartholomew was known for his ability to flip field position with his punts.
#### Return Specialist
– **Torry Holt, NC State:** In addition to his receiving duties, Holt was a dangerous punt and kickoff returner.
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## Notable Highlights and Impact
### Heisman Trophy Winners
The 1998 All-America team featured two Heisman Trophy winners: Ricky Williams and Charles Woodson. Williams’ record-breaking rushing season and Woodson’s defensive dominance underscored their status as the nation’s best players.
### Future NFL Stars
Many players from the 1998 All-America team went on to have successful professional careers. Julius Peppers, Champ Bailey, and Tim Couch, among others, became well-known NFL players, demonstrating the high level of talent recognized in this collegiate selection.
### Team Representation
The 1998 All-America team included players from a diverse range of schools, reflecting the competitive balance in college football at the time. Programs like North Carolina, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas had multiple players honored, highlighting their strong seasons.
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## Legacy of the 1998 All-America Team
The 1998 All-America team remains a significant snapshot of college football talent at the close of the 20th century. The players selected not only excelled during their collegiate careers but also helped shape the future of the sport through their professional achievements and contributions to football culture.
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## Summary
The 1998 All-America college football team celebrated the top collegiate players of the 1998 season, recognizing excellence across all positions. Selected by multiple respected organizations, the team included Heisman winners, future NFL stars, and standout athletes who left a lasting impact on college football history.
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## Meta Description
The 1998 All-America college football team highlights the best NCAA Division I-A players of the 1998 season, featuring Heisman winners and future NFL stars recognized for their outstanding performances.