NORMAN, Okla. - This is quite a run for Gabe Ikard.
The Oklahoma center earned his second All-American selection this week after being named to the 2013 AFCA Coaches' All-American Team on Wednesday.
Ikard was an All-Big 12 Conference pick by the coaches and by the Associated Press and was named a Walter Camp First Team All-American. In addition, Ikard was named the Capital One Academic All-Amercan, was a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete, won the Wuerffel Trophy and the Selmon Spirit Award. Ikard was also a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete.
Quite a senior season for the Sooner center. He has started all 12 games this season and 49 in his career, but this season is the first in Ikard's time at OU where the offense has relied more on running instead of passing. The Sooners are No. 18 nationally averaging 235.8 yards per game. OU has also allowed just 14 sacks in 12 games, which is 17th-best in the country.
Ikard is the first OU player to be named All-American since receiver Ryan Broyles won the honor in 2011. He's the first Sooner lineman on the team since Trent Williams in 2009 and the first OU center to be on the All-American team since Vince Carter in 2004.
Ikard now has a chance to go into the NFL, but he said it will take a big effort against Alabama to help himself.
"You don't get chances like this," he said. "This could be a victory that could put some things in motion. That's something we need to prepare for. They (Alabama) is the most-talented team I've played in my four and half years here. Its what you call a money game. It will be a chance for the seniors to earn some cash and put some great things on tape for the NFL scouts."
