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Midseason First and Second Team All-American Projections

By Zach Bigalke

Oct 22, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Airius Moore (58) during the first quarter at Papa John
Oct 22, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Airius Moore (58) during the first quarter at Papa John /
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Sep 17, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Gabe Marks (9) Washington State Cougars offensive lineman Cody O’Connell (76) celebrate a touchdown against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Gabe Marks (9) Washington State Cougars offensive lineman Cody O’Connell (76) celebrate a touchdown against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

OG: Cody O’Connell (Washington State)

The fact that Washington State is one of the pleasant surprises in the Pac-12 this season is due in large part to great offensive line play. The interior line has been anchored by O’Connell, a 6’8″, 350-pound redshirt junior who is beginning to draw notice for his strong blend of pass and run blocking. Despite his size, one of the left guard’s greatest strengths is his downfield blocking. Here’s one such play where he cleared out two defenders for a touchdown against Oregon:

The passing game is Mike Leach’s bread and butter, but with O’Connell leading the way the team has been solid in converting third downs and getting positive yardage on the ground as well. The ground game will never be a major part of the WSU offense, but it has been better than ever before during Leach’s tenure thanks in large part to O’Connell. He has the ability to collapse entire sides of defensive lines as well as to move on to the second level to keep paving the way for Washington State’s running backs.

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