Cody O’Connell named Sporting News First Team All-American

PULLMAN – Washington State left guard Cody O’Connell was named a First Team All-American by The Sporting News on Saturday, adding to the litany of honors the Wenatchee native has received in his first season as a starter.

The redshirt junior is considered one of the country’s finest run blockers, and a more-than-capable pass blocker as well. He is also a finalist for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s to interior lineman. The Outland winner will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 8.

His teammates on the WSU offensive line have kept in touch with O’Connell on his journey to Atlanta by participating in a group text message thread. Ideally O’Connell will only miss one practice because of ceremony on Thursday, but incoming inclement weather could make getting back to Pullman dicey.

“I think he went to the aquarium today,” right tackle Cole Madison said after Wednesday’s practice. “He was sending Snapchats all day. I hope he wins it. He deserves it. First year out here and had a great season, great teammate and I hope the best for him.”

The Sporting News wrote of O’Connell, “(he) was a key protector for an offense that threw 613 passes this season. The 6-foot-8, 345-pound O’Connell is only going to get better.”