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After his first season as a starter, Washington State offensive lineman Cody O'Connell is going to take home a trove of honors. Thursday, he was in Atlanta for the College Football Awards, and was named to three more All-American 1st teams.
After being an All-Pac-12 honorable mention selection, O'Connell has now been named to six different All-American teams. Many WSU fans and reporters were perplexed when the conference's coaches didn't give more recognition to the Wazzu guard and many of the country's major publications have sided with us.
USA Today, Sports Illustrated and the Walter Camp Football Foundation joined Pro Football Focus, SB Nation and Sporting News to name O'Connell to their first team's. The 6'8 354 lb mammoth helped the Cougs have their best rushing attack since Mike Leach came to Pullman and lowered Luke Falk's sack rate from 2015.
He was also a finalist for the Outland Award, which is given to the nation's best interior lineman, but lost to Alabama's Cam Robinson. While he didn't come away with the award, it looks like he had a fun time in Atlanta and represented WSU well.
The Continent Cody O'Connell works the red carpet at the College Football Awards with @CoachMcGuireWSU #GoCougs #AirRaid @outlandtrophy pic.twitter.com/MnBQt1tO5T
— WSU Cougar Football (@wsucougfb) December 8, 2016
In other award news, Jim Mastro was nominated for the Football Scoop running backs coach of the year award. Mastro tutored the Cougars three headed monster of Gerard Wicks, Jamal Morrow and James Williams to 31 total touchdowns and 2,591 total yards.
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Football:
USA TODAY Sports' 2016 All-America college football teams
Heisman finalists Lamar Jackson, Jabrill Peppers and Dede Westbrook headline the list.
Walter Camp Football Foundation | 127th Walter Camp All-America First and Second Teams
On the offensive line, juniors Cam Robinson (Alabama), Cody O’Connell (Washington State) and Roderick Johnson (Florida State) are joined by the sophomore Connor Williams (Texas). Senior Pat Elfein (Ohio State) is the offensive center
College football All-America Team: SI's 2016 selections | SI.com
Another Outland Trophy finalist, O’Connell helped Washington State make a massive improvement in its running game, upping its rushing attack by more than 45 yards per game.
Alabama left tackle Cam Robinson wins Outland Trophy | AL.com
Alabama left tackle Cam Robinson won the Outland Trophy on Thursday night in Atlanta.
Pac-12's 10 best games of 2016 - Pac-12 Blog- ESPN
9. Washington State 51, Oregon 33: Are we sure that a Mike Leach team rushed for six touchdowns (and threw for zero) in a game ... and still won?
Former USC Trojans QB Max Browne set to visit Pittsburgh Panthers - Pac-12 Blog- ESPN
Washington State quarterback Luke Falk is not expected to declare for the draft, but if that changes, the Cougars also could be in play for the in-state product.
The dream bowl games we'd really like to see (but won't) - ABC News
We've taken the liberty of doing just that and have come up with our 10 dream bowl matchups.
Gophers prep for a wild Holiday Bowl against pass-happy foe | College | winonadailynews.com
The Gophers are preparing for a wild ride in the Holiday Bowl.Hey, why was Washington State's coach on Idaho's bench? | NCAA Basketball | Sporting News
WSU assistant Jim Mastro up for Football Scoop’s RB coach of the year award | The Seattle Times
WSU assistant coach Jim Mastro has been nominated for a national running backs coach of the year award.