Utah State's Tyler Larsen named to preseason All-American list

Preseason recognition continues to roll in for Tyler Larsen. This fall, it seems much is expected out of the most seasoned returning Aggie.

The senior center was named to Phil Steele's fourth team All-America, yet another sign that he is seen as one of the top linemen in the country. Larsen was previously named first team all-Mountain West by Steele, and is on the Rimington Trophy watch list for the third straight year.

Larsen is the anchor of a unit returning five starters. He has started 38 consecutive games - the longest of any current Aggie - and has been a first-team all-WAC player twice.

Blocking and leadership along the line was key during last season's 11-2 run, arguably the best season in program history. Along with Eric Schultz, Larsen was the highest-graded player on the team.

We are still a long way out from the season, which starts April 29 at Utah. But the continuing honors rolling in for the group could point to big expectations for Utah State this fall as they begin their tenure in the Mountain West.

There were only two other Mountain West players on Steele's All-American list, both on the fourth team: Fresno State receiver Davante Adams, and Boise State defensive end Demarcus Lawrence.

Among Utah State's opponents, BYU had two honorees, as linebacker Kyle Van Noy and receiver Cody Hoffman made the list. USC had four.

— Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon