DALLAS - Washington State left guard Cody O'Connell was named a First-Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association Wednesday, joining kicker Jason Hanson (1989) as the only Cougar unanimous All-Americans in program history.
 
The redshirt-junior from Wenatchee, Wash was named a First-Team All-American by The Walter Camp Football Foundation (the nation's oldest All-America Team), The Sporting News, The Associated Press and The Football Writers Association of America.
 
O'Connell (6-8, 354) was also one of three finalists for The Outland Trophy, presented to the best interior lineman in college football on offense or defense since 1946. O'Connell was joined by Ohio State center Pat Elflein and Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson, which Robinson winning the award Thursday. O'Connell was the first Cougar Outland Trophy finalist since defensive lineman Rien Long won the award in 2002.
 
O'Connell, nicknamed "The Continent" by coach Mike Leach, has started 11 games at left guard for the Cougars this season, protecting the nation's second-rated passing offense (370.8) and blocked for a rushing attack that owns seven 100-yard efforts including three 200-yard performances. WSU's rushing offense has improved greatly this season, going from 80.1 ypg in 2015 to 126.8 ypg in 2016. Most recently, he was ranked the nation's best guards in the country by Pro Football Focus.