The FWAA All-America team is one of the oldest and most prestigious All-America compilations. Since 1945, the FWAA All-America Team has been part of the NCAA consensus All-America collections.
A true three-way player, Lanning has had a remarkable senior season leading the Cyclones into the national rankings for the first time since 2005 and their first bowl berth in five years with his uncanny versatility.
Lanning currently ranks 31st nationally in tackles per game (9.2), registering a team-high four double-digit tackle performances, including a career-high 20 stops vs. Texas. His 20 tackles vs. the Longhorns ranks ninth in school history and ties for fifth among FBS players this season.
Lanning also leads the team in sacks (5.0), ranks second in TFL (10.0) and has a fumble recovery and interception on the season.
Lanning also played a huge role on offense in spot duty at quarterback, registering 934 snaps (765 on defense, 124 on special teams, 45 on offense) on the season.
The Ankeny, Iowa native is the first FBS player in 11 years to record a sack, interception, fumble recovery, rushing touchdown and passing touchdown in a season since Eric Weddle (Utah) did it in 2006.
Lanning, who ranks third on the team in rushing (115) and fourth in passing (47), was utilized by the Cyclone offense in crucial situations throughout the season. He was perfect in “Money” down conversions, going 5-of-5 on third down and 4-of-4 on fourth down conversion rushes.
Lanning, who has accepted an invitation to compete in the East-West Shrine Game, will play his final game as a Cyclone in the 2017 AutoZone Liberty Bowl vs. Memphis, Dec. 30th in Memphis, Tenn.
Iowa State FWAA First-Team All-Americans
1959- Dwight Nichols, QB
1962- Dave Hoppmann, QB
1963- Tom Vaughn, RB
1976- Luther Blue, WR
1996- Troy Davis, RB
2017- Joel Lanning, LB
