The Big Ten's defensive player of the year is also a first-team All-America selection.
Penn State announced Thurs-day senior defensive tackle Jared Odrick was selected to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America Team. The lineman became the 77th first-team All-American under coach Joe Paterno.
"This is a great honor," Odrick said in a statement released by the university. "There are a lot of great D-linemen across the country, so I'm flattered to receive this award. This honor speaks about the play of our defense as a whole all season.
"I'm privileged to be joining some of the great Penn State defensive linemen who have been All-Americans."
Odrick, who was named the Big Ten's conference Defensive Player of the Year by the coaches last week, is the 94th first-team All-American in Penn State school history and the sixth defensive lineman honored in the last 11 seasons.
He was notified of the honor via text message from AFCA officials.
Odrick then forwarded the text message to his high school football coach, Bill Giovino, Thursday afternoon.
"We're so proud of him," said Giovino, who coached Odrick at Lebanon High School. "All the hard work he's put in since he's been here in high school at Lebanon High until now, it's all paying off."
Odrick tied for fifth on the team with 41 tackles, 10 of which went for a loss.
He had six sacks and also blocked a field goal.
"We've always told him he's destined for greatness," Giovino said. "It's a matter of how much he wants to work for it."
Odrick helped lead the No. 10 Nittany Lions to a 10-2 regular season record.
The Lions will learn their bowl destination Sunday night, when bowl announcements are made.
