Tomlinson named first team AP All-American, could be Duke's highest draft pick in years

The honors are beginning to pile up for Laken Tomlinson.

The redshirt senior offensive guard was named to the Associated Press All-America first team Tuesday. With the selection, he becomes the first Blue Devil since Clarkston Hines in 1989 to be selected to the AP's first team.

This all comes on the heels of being named a 2nd-team All-American by USA Today Thursday after anchoring one of the nation's best offensive lines. Tomlinson was the second Blue Devil to win All-America honors from USA Today in as many years, as safety Jeremy Cash received the same honor in 2013.

The Jamaica native was a key part of the line, which is ranked first in the FBS only giving up 3.33 tackles for loss per game and is ranked 11th in the nation allowing 1.08 sacks per game.

Tomlinson played a crucial role in turning around a Duke program that had poor history on the gridiron and endured 3-9 seasons during his first two seasons. However, he has become a household name on an offense that has led the Blue Devils to three-straight bowl games.

The selection doesn't come as a surprise for Tomlinson, who was named a first-team preseason All-American by Fox Sports before the season and garnered midseason All-America honors from CBS Sports in October. He was also a first team preseason and postseason All-ACC selection and was nominated to the Allstate Good Works Team for his performance on the field and work in the community.

Although Tomlinson has said he wants to attend medical school, those dreams may be on hold for a while. NFLDraftScout ranks him as the fifth-best offensive guard in the draft and he could be Duke's highest draft pick in decades depending on his combine and pro-day performances.

Tomlinson will join teammate Jamison Crowder in the prestigious Reese's Senior Bowl Jan. 20, 2015 in Mobile, Ala. Before realizing their professional aspirations, the duo will try to lead the Blue Devils to their first bowl win in 53 years Dec. 27 in the Hyundai Sun Bowl against Arizona State.

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