NEW HAVEN, Conn. – After enjoying a breakout season in the trenches for Yale football, sophomore defensive lineman Clay Patterson continues to earn honors. On Tuesday, he was selected by the Associated Press (AP) as a Third Team All-American. Patterson was also recognized by HERO Sports on its Sophomore All-America Team.
 
Patterson was tabbed as one of the top second-year players in the country and one of just 12 defensive linemen selected to the AP team.
 
Most recently, the Frisco, Texas, native made the All-New England Team, as appointed by the New England Football Writers Association. Patterson is one of four Yale Bulldogs to make the All-Ivy League First Team and one of just two sophomores on the conference's top squad.
 
Patterson led the Ivy League with 11.5 sacks this past season and ranked fifth nationally with 1.15 sacks per game. He earned Ivy Defensive Player of the Week honors after a four-sack performance against Lehigh.
 
He led the Bulldogs and was second in the conference with 13.0 tackles for loss and finished the year with 44 tackles, one interception and a blocked kick.
 
Additionally, Patterson was selected to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District team for his success both on the gridiron and in the classroom.