Gonzalez Named to FWAA All-America First Team

TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State place-kicker Zane Gonzalez continued his quest to become a unanimous All-American as he was named to the Football Writers Association of America All-America First Team, announced on SiriusXM Radio's "College Football Nation" Monday afternoon.

With his most recent recognition, Gonzalez became the 16th player, and second specialist, in Sun Devil history to earn FWAA First Team honors. He is the first Sun Devil since Terrell Suggs (2002) to earn FWAA first team honors.

Gonzalez, a senior from Deer Park, Texas, won the 2016 Lou Groza Award after making an FBS-leading 14 field goals from at least 40 yards out this past season. He was a remarkable 7-for-9 on attempts from 50 yards or more, a mark that represents the second-most ever from long distance in an FBS season, including the longest field goal of the year, a 59 yarder that gave him the all-time record for career points by a kicker.

Gonzalez finished his illustrious four-year career at ASU as the all-time FBS leader in field goals made (96) and points by a kicker (494). His 23 made field goals out of 25 attempts in the 2016 season led the Pac-12 in both makes and percentage. Gonzalez played in a total of 51 games during his ASU career, and scored at least one point in every game he played.

Since 1945, the FWAA All-America Team has been among the five teams used to formulate the NCAA's annual consensus All-America team. Since the 2002 season, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), The Associated Press, The Sporting News and the Walter Camp Football Foundation have joined the FWAA as the five designated selectors by the NCAA.

The FWAA All-America Team was first selected in 1944, three years after the organization was formed. The FWAA's inaugural team included Army's Heisman Trophy tandem of Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis and Georgia Tech's Frank Broyles, who later became Arkansas' head football coach and athletic director.
Gonzalez's seven All-America First Team honors is the most for an ASU player since Terrell Suggs claimed 10 First Team nods en route to becoming ASU's second unanimous All-American in 2002. He is now just one First Team recognition away from becoming ASU's third unanimous All-American since Suggs (2002) and Al Harris (1978) accomplished the feat.   
 
Zane Gonzalez First Team All-America Selections:
Sporting News*
Pro Football Focus
USA Today
Sports Illustrated
Walter Camp*
Associated Press*
Football Writers Association of America*

*Denotes All-America teams taken into account for unanimous and consensus All-America recognition.