Ben Lauer, who just completed his redshirt freshman season with the Gophers, was one of five offensive linemen named to the Freshman All-America team by the Football Writers Association of America. The Freshman team includes both true and redshirt freshmen.

Lauer, an offensive takle from Wayzata, was one of four Big Ten players named to the team, joining offensive lineman Jack Conklin and place-kicker Michael Geiger of Michigan State and defensive lineman Joey Bosa of Ohio State.

The quarterback of the team is Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston of Florida State.