CFB: Compton Named AP First Team All-America

VERMILLION, SD - University of South Dakota senior offensive lineman Tom Compton continued to pile up the postseason accolades as he was honored Thursday as being named Associated Press First Team All-America.

Compton, a native of Rosemount, Minn., was named to the All-Time Great West Conference Team Wednesday after he completed a stellar career for the Coyotes as he was a PhilSteele.com fourth team All-America selection in 2010 and was a three-time all-conference selection, including the last two years as a firs team honoree. He also earned Offensive Lineman of the Year honors according to the media in 2011.

He anchored an offensive line that helped lead the Coyotes to 6-5 record this season, including a thrilling 30-17 win over then-No. 1 and defending national champion Eastern Washington in the DakotaDome Sept. 10. The offensive line paved the way for the league’s second rushing offense (158.2) and the league’s third passing offense (177.6).

In 2009, he earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a sophomore and was in integral part of the Coyotes’ offense which averaged 460 yards per game (4th in the nation), 202 rushing yards per game (11th nationally) and 258 passing yards (16th nationally). He also was a part of an offensive line that allowed just 14 sacks in 11 games.

Compton becomes the first two-time All-American since Christian Morton in 2006 and 2007 as is the only Great West Conference player named to the first team. He has finished his eligibility at South Dakota and now will turn his attention to preparing for April’s National Football League Draft.

Courtesy: Kit Strief