TOWSON, Md. – Towson University linebacker Mason Woods has been honored with a place on the HERO Sports FCS Freshman All-American Team, announced by the publication on Thursday.
 
He is the first Towson player, and fourth overall, to earn freshman All-American since two Tigers picked up this recognition in 2016: Aidan O'Neill (K) and Shane Simpson (KR).  Only one other Tiger, Emmanuel Holder in 2012, was a freshman All-American.
 
The redshirt freshman linebacker from Woodbridge, Virginia was Towson's leading tackler this year, earning 77 tackles in 11 games, all starts.  Woods also had 5.5 tackles for loss, including 1.5 sacks, and an interception.  He earned at least five tackles in 10 games, including 10 tackles at Delaware and at Elon.
 
Woods was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, given to the top freshman in FCS each year.  Woods finished tied for 18^th in the final voting, solidifying his place as a top-20 freshman across the country.
 
Woods is just one of four Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) players to be named freshman All-America this season.