ASU’s Eric Gentry makes The Athletic’s midseason Freshman All-America team

Arizona State freshman Eric Gentry has excelled in his first year at the linebacker position, making The Athletic’s midseason Freshman All-America team.

The Philadelphia native has posted 19 total tackles, 12 of which are solo.

The 6-foot-6, 200-pound linebacker from Philadelphia has 19 tackles, three tackles for loss and a pass breakup, and he delivered in one of the most important moments of the season for the Sun Devils so far. Gentry stuffed UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson for a loss on fourth-and-1 from the 2-yard line in the fourth quarter to help protect the Sun Devils’ lead en route to a 42-23 win over the Bruins.

😤 @ASUFootball stands tall on 4th down! pic.twitter.com/TK5QxB077v

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 3, 2021

The play mentioned against UCLA was vital for ASU during a nine-point game early in the fourth quarter, a game the Sun Devils won by 19.

The Athletic’s list also features two other Arizona high school football products in Saguaro’s Denzel Burke (Ohio State) and Kelee Ringo (Georgia).

Gentry looks to see ample playing time in the upcoming years as he is slotted behind three seniors at linebacker. He is currently listed as the backup STAR linebacker behind Merlin Robertson in Antonio Pierce’s defense.

As a unit, ASU’s three linebackers may all be replaced by current freshmen next year, barring any incoming recruits or transfers.