EWU’s Cooper Kupp wins fourth straight FCS All-America honor

Cooper Kupp made a little more history Thursday.

Eastern Washington’s record-breaking wide receiver is a first-team Associated Press FCS All-America selection for the fourth straight year, the first time that’s been accomplished.

Kupp is believed to be the first player to be a four-time first-team selection in FCS, which was previously known as Division I-AA. The AP began naming a I-AA All-America team in 1982, and its records go back to 1988.

Kupp won the Walter Payton Award last season as the top player in FCS and he could become the second two-time winner when it is handed out Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas.

And he may have some teammates to cheer him on at the awards ceremony; the Eagles play Youngstown State on Saturday for a chance to play in the title game Jan. 7, also in Frisco.

Kupp is the most prolific receiver in the history of Division I football. He holds career records for receptions (418), receiving yards (6,284) and touchdown catches (71). This season he has 107 catches for 1,520 yards and 15 touchdowns.

EWU quarterback Gage Gubrud, a sophomore who leads the nation in total offense (412.7 yards per game), was selected to the second team. He is also a finalist for the Payton Award.

EWU defensive end Samson Ebukam made the third team.

Five-time defending national champion North Dakota State placed offensive linemen Zach Johnson and Landon Lechler on the first team. The Bison face James Madison on Friday night.

The defense is led by Northern Iowa defensive lineman Karter Schult, who leads the nation with 17 sacks, and Missouri State linebacker Dylan Cole, who leads the country in tackles at 12.9 per game.

Defensive lineman P.J. Hall gives Sam Houston State two players on the first team to match North Dakota State.