G Quenton Nelson Named Sporting News First Team All-American
Notre Dame senior guard Quenton Nelson was named a first-team All-American by The Sporting News, an honor that makes Nelson a unanimous All-American for 2017. Nelson has already been named a first-team pick by the Associated Press, Walter Camp Football Foundation and the Football Writers Association of American.
Sporting News had this to say about Nelson:
“Nelson’s decision to return to school helped solidify a Notre Dame offensive line that paved the way for 279.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks third-highest among teams that don't run the triple option. That production helped the Irish to a 9-3 season.”
Nelson becomes the first Notre Dame player to be named a unanimous All-American since linebacker Manti Te’o (2009-12) earned that distinction in 2012. Over the last decade just three Notre Dame players have earned the honor. Nelson, Te’o and wide receiver Golden Tate (2007-09) were all named unanimous All-Americans. Tate was a unanimous pick in 2009.
The last Notre Dame offensive lineman to be named a unanimous All-American was Aaron Taylor (1990-93), who was named a unanimous pick in 1993. Nelson is just the fifth Notre Dame offensive lineman in school history to be named a unanimous All-American, and just the second since 1965.
The American Football Coaches Association has yet to release its All-American list.
Notre Dame senior offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey was named a second team selection. Should McGlinchey be named to the AFCA first-team he too would be named a unanimous All-American.
Nelson is the 34th unanimous All-American in Notre Dame history. Notre Dame leads the nation in unanimous selections.
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