MONMOUTH, Oregon --- For the first time in 25 years, the Western Oregon football program has an All-American first team linebacker.

WOU senior Jaylin Parnell was selected to the American Football Coaches Association All-American First Team on Monday, marking the first time a linebacker for the Wolves has earned first-team All-American honors since Louis Taylor in 1997.

Parnell is the first All-American first-team honoree since wide receiver Paul Revis in 2017.

Overall, Parnell is the 13th Western Oregon football player to earn All-American first team status - 

Parnell has racked up the awards this season as he was named D2CCA All-Super Region First Team, Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year, LSC Linebacker of the Year and All-LSC First Team. The senior led the LSC in tackles per game (8.5) and sacks per game (0.77) this season and finished the season with 94 tackles and 8.5 sacks to go along with an interception, a forced fumble, a blocked kick, five quarterback hurries and three pass breakups. 

Parnell finished his career with 286 tackles (seventh on the all-time WOU List) and 28.5 sacks - tied for first on the WOU all-time list since 2000.