Washington State’s Cody O’Connell unanimous All-American

PULLMAN – From oft-injured project to most-decorated lineman in the history of Washington State football, left guard Cody O’Connell’s rapid transformation into a Cougar legend was completed on Wednesday when he became the school’s second unanimous All-American.

The redshirt-junior from Wenatchee was named a First-Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association, joining kicker Jason Hanson (1989) as the only Cougars to complete the quintuplet of All-American first teams that are considered the most prestigious.

He was also named a first-team All-American by The Walter Camp Football Foundation, The Sporting News, The Associated Press and The Football Writers Association of America.

The 6-foot-8, 354-pound O’Connell was also one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, which was awared to Alabama offensive lineman Cam Robinson on Thursday. O’Connell was the first Cougar Outland Trophy finalist since defensive lineman Rien Long won the award in 2002.

The redshirt junior started 11 games at left guard for the Cougars this season, his first year as a starter, providing protection for the nation’s No. 2 passing offense (370.8). He surprising athleticism for his size and undeniable strength were key reasons for WSU’s improved rushing offense, which has rushed for 100-yard seven times, and 200 yards three times. The Cougars improved their rushing output by more than 45 yards per game in 2016.