Virginia Tech linebacker Cody Grimm and running back Ryan Williams were both named to All-America teams Tuesday.

Grimm earned third-team honors from the Associated Press, and Williams earned third-team honors from The Sporting News.

Williams, a redshirt freshman from Manassas, is the first Hokies running back to make an All-America team since Kevin Jones was a consensus pick back in 2003. Coincidentally, Williams is on pace to break Jones’ school rushing record.

Jones rushed for 1,647 yards in 2003. Williams has 1,538 yards entering Tech’s game against Tennessee in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

Williams joins quarterback Michael Vick (1999) as the only Tech freshmen to win All-America honors.

Grimm has had a busy few weeks since the Hokies ended their regular season with a 42-13 win over Virginia on Nov. 28.

The senior from Fairfax received the Dudley Award (best college player in Virginia) last week, and now has joined an exclusive list of former Tech walk-ons to earn All-America recognition.

By my count, Grimm is only the second Tech walk-on, joining former defensive end John Engelberger (1999), to make an All-America team.

Grimm leads the team in tackles (99) and is tied for the national lead with seven forced fumbles.