Howard Cross, Audric Estime Earn Sporting News All-American Honors

Notre Dame running backs Audric Estime and defensive tackle Howard Cross III earned second-team All-American honors from Sporting News

Notre Dame had four players earn All-America honors from Sporting News, and that included running back Audric Estime and defensive tackle Howard Cross III earning a spot on the second team.

Estime became a breakout star early in the season, rushing for over 100 yards in three of the first four games, including 134 yards (9.6 YPC) and two scores in a big 45-24 road win over NC State. He ended the season the way it started, rushing for over 100 yards in three of the final four games.

Estime finished the season with 238 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries in a 56-23 win over Stanford. Those were the 4th and 3rd best single-season games in the history of Notre Dame football, respectively.

Estime finished the season with 1,341 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, which ranked 8th and 3rd in college football this season. Only one running back that ranked in the Top 10 in rushing yards this season averaged more yards per carry than Estime's 6.39 yards per carry.

Cross didn't rank among the nation's leaders in any statistical category, but he had an outstanding season for the Irish. After being a rotation player in the previous two seasons, Cross was a breakout star for the Irish this season.

Cross racked up 64 tackles this season to go with 6.0 tackles for loss, a sack and two forced fumbles. His national breakout game came in the 21-14 come from behind win over Duke. Cross racked up 13 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack in that victory, and his forced fumble sealed the game.

Estime also earned second-team All-America honors from the Associated Press, CBS Sports, USA TODAY Sports, The Athletic and Pro Football Focus.

Cross has also earned second-team All-America honors from the Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp and Pro Football Focus.

Offensive tackle Joe Alt and safety Xavier Watts earned first-team All-American honors from Sporting News.

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