Athlon is the latest publication to predict big things for WSU next season. They have placed two Cougars on their pre-season All-American team. Offensive guard Cody O’Connell and defensive end Hercules Mata’afa were the recipients of this recognition.
O’Connell was unsurprisingly named to the 1st team after being a unanimous All-American and Outland trophy finalist in his junior season. Husky linebacker Azeem Victor and Utah punter Mitch Wishnowsky were the only other Pac-12 players shown first team recognition.
Mata’afa was named to the 4th team following a season in which he was named second team All Pac-12 as a sophomore.