COLUMBIA - It's unanimous.
Missouri senior defensive end Michael Sam was named a first-team All-American on Wednesday by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). That makes Sam 5-for-5 in first-team honors, joining earlier honors by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Sporting News, the Associated Press and the America Football Coaches Association.
Sam is just the second player in Missouri history to achieve unanimous status, joining end Danny LaRose in 1960. Sam is also the 33rd first-team All-American in school history.
Sam, who was selected the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year, led the league in quarterback sacks (10.5) and tackles-for-loss (18) this season.
E.J. Gaines of the Tigers was named a second-team All-American on Wednesday by the FWAA. The senior cornerback led Missouri with four interceptions and was third on the team in total tackles with 68.
Sam and Gaines will wrap up their college careers Jan. 3 in the Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma State in Arlington, Texas.