Another day, another prestigious honor for Carl Nassib.

The 2015 Lombardi winner was named to the Associated Press’ All-American First Team, the only Nittany Lion to receive the honor this year. No Nittany Lions were present on the second or third teams either.

BREAKING: Heisman finalists highlight AP All-America team; Alabama, Baylor get 3 each on first team. pic.twitter.com/OBXD58omS3

— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) December 13, 2015

Nassib is the first Penn State player named to an AP team since Mike Hull last year, who was the linebacker on the Third Team.

An argument could be made that every major defensive award Nassib didn’t win was a snub, but the AP is on his side. He led the nation in sacks and forced fumbles, and was second in tackles for loss — three of the most significant statistics a defensive player could contribute in, and Nassib barely played in the last quarter of the season due to injuries.

Taylor Decker and Jack Allen are the only Big Ten players on the First Team offense, while Nassib and Vonn Bell, Jr. headline the defense.

Nassib was also a first-team selection from SI.com and CBS Sports, and was a second-team pick by USA Today.

James Franklin says he expects Nassib to be back from injury in the next few weeks. Penn State and Nassib are back in action for the TaxSlayer Bowl on January 2 against the Georgia Bulldogs.

About the Author

Doug Leeson

Doug is a sophomore and Onward State's Assistant Managing Editor. Dislikes: popcorn, Rutgers, and a low #TimberCount. Likes: "Frozen," Rec Hall, and you. Contact him via email at dougleeson@onwardstate.com or on Twitter @DougLeeson.

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