Northern Illinois defensive end Sutton Smith was selected as a member of the 2017 All-American team by the Associated Press.
Smith was the lone Northern Illinois selection and the only MAC player to land a spot on the AP All-American teams. He finished as one of two Second Team defensive ends, alongside Ohio State's Nick Bosa. The First Team defensive ends were Clemson's Clelin Ferrell and North Carolina State's Bradley Chubb.
Smith ranks first in the nation in both sacks (14) and tackles for loss (29) headed into bowl season. The sophomore pass rusher experienced a breakout campaign where he led the Huskies to one of the premier defenses in the country.