Redshirt freshman defensive end Deion Barnes was named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America team following a stellar 2012 campaign. This particular honor was Barnes’ sixth Freshman All-America recognition of the year. Barnes, a Philadelphia native, led the Nittany Lions with six sacks, sixth best in the Big Ten. He also had 26 tackles — 10 of which were for a loss.

Barnes was recognized as Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week after the Navy game, where he registered five tackles and a sack. Additionally, Barnes had one of his best games of the year on the road against Nebraska where he had six tackles — four solo and three for a loss. Barnes was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in November.

Barnes will be thrust into a leadership role on a Penn State defensive line which will lose three of its four starters headed into next season.

Conversely, despite being named to five freshman All-American teams, tight end Kyle Carter was not named to the FWAA team. Instead, the honor was given to Devin Funchess of Michigan, who had 15 receptions for 234 yards and 5 touchdowns, compared to Carter’s 36 receptions for 453 yards and 2 touchdowns.