FORT COLLINS – One of the top centers in the nation has added another All-American honor as Jacob Gardner was named to the first-team All-American team by Hero Sports on Thursday. Colorado State’s most veteran player earned All-American status by the Action Network earlier this week.
 
Gardner anchored a front which ranks tied for fourth nationally in least sacks allowed (10 on the season, .83 per game) and paved the way for a rushing attack which improved by 1.3 yards per carry and 77.6 yards per game – seventh most improved nationally. Gardner was the team’s lone first-team All-Mountain West selection.
 
Gardner was only one of two centers nationally to be graded at better than 90 percent by Pro Football Focus in pass blocking and had the highest overall ranking (run and pass) by the organization, finishing at 88.6 percent. Gardner did not allow a sack this season.
 
Gardner began his career with coach Jay Norvell at Nevada, starting every game of his career, beginning at left tackle for Nevada. He has started 57 consecutive games with one more to play, the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl against Miami (Ohio) on Dec. 28 in Tucson, Ariz.