Utah Utes football: It's unanimous: Sakoda on all All-American teams

Louie Sakoda made history, again.

The senior kicker/punter became the University of Utah football program's first unanimous All-American. His inclusion on The Sporting News team Wednesday completed a sweep of the major All-American teams. The list includes recognition from The Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, the Walter Camp Foundation and Football Writers Association of America.

"A great accolade for Louie," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "It doesn't surprise me. He deserves it, just a great tribute to him and what he's accomplished here in his four years at Utah."

Sakoda, a three-time Mountain West Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, is pleased to represent the school in such a way.

"It really hasn't sunk in yet how big that is. But it's nice to hear that I'm the first one," he said. "It's huge. It means a lot. It's a reflection of our players and coaches, so it all goes out to them."

Sakoda, who was a finalist for several national honors including the Lou Groza (kicking) and Ray Guy (punting) awards, is taking individual accolades with "a grain of salt" right now while focusing on the end of the season and final exams. He'll appreciate things more when everything is over.

"It can't get old," Sakoda admitted. "I love every bit of it."

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com