Per GoBearcats:
The best cornerback tandem in the country grabbed more awards on Wednesday.
Cincinnati junior Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and senior Coby Bryant were both named First Team All-Americans by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
Gardner added Sporting News First Team All-America honors, while Bryant snagged Sporting News Second Team accolades, as well.
By collecting first-team honors from the AFCA, FWAA, Sporting News and AP, Gardner is expected to be named a consensus All-American at the end of the season. He will join punter Kevin Huber (2007-08) and kicker Jonathan Ruffin (2000) as the only consensus All-Americans in UC history.
Gardner was named unanimous American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-AAC First Team for a third time earlier this season. According to Pro Football Focus College, Gardner’s passer rating when targeted (20.3) was the second-lowest of any player in the nation. He allowed only 17 receptions and 117 yards on just 36 targets all season. He has never allowed a touchdown pass in his career, spanning over 1,000 coverage snaps and three seasons.
In 2021, Gardner has 35 tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups, three sacks, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2021. He also returned a blocked kick 60 yards for a touchdown at East Carolina.
Additionally, Gardner recorded First Team All-America honors from CBS Sports/247 Sports, ESPN and the Athletic.
Bryant, who also was named a First Team All-American by Walter Camp, became the first Bearcat to win the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award last week. The Thorpe Award is given to the nation’s top defensive back.
Bryant has played in 62 games in his career with 49 starts. His career record is 48-14 at Cincinnati, and he’s now a two-time AAC Champion. His 45 career passes defended ranks No. 2 in Cincinnati history and his 10 career interceptions is the fifth most among active players.
Bryant was an All-AAC First Team selection in 2020 and 2021 and was named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Bryant and Gardner are the leaders of a Bearcats defense that ranks No. 1 nationally in pass efficiency defense (100.47), fourth in opponent completion percentage (53.5%), third in interceptions (18), fifth in TD passes allowed (10) and No. 3 in passing yards allowed (168.3).
