Former Eastlake High School football player William Dunkle is listed second team All-American by the Associated Press.
The AP released their All-American list entering this week, and the Chula Vista native received the news regarding his outstanding individual season as offensive guard for the Aztecs.
Dunkle now joins a short list of just 3 offensive linemen to make an AP second team for the Aztecs of San Diego State University, along side Pete Inge who first made the list in 1978, and Kyle Turley nearly two decades later in 1997. Dunkle gives credit to both, Kyle and Pete, for guiding him as fellow offensive tackles and mentoring him along the way.
"Nico and Kyle both have been in my corner throughout my time at SDSU," Dunkle says, "whether it was getting some extra work in or giving me tips on my play."
This achievement is something the Chula Vista native says he will carry forever with pride and joy, and he hopes to continue making his family and hometown proud with career milestones in the future.
"Being an All-American is definitely a blessing, but I am even more happy that I made my family proud," Dunkle stated. "And to do it in my city of San Diego just makes it even more special," he added.
William Dunkle was a starter for all 13 football games for the SDSU Aztecs so far this season, where he has allowed only eight pressures in 388 passing opportunities, and no sacks given up on his behalf.
The Chula Vista native was also named first team All-American by both Pro Football Network and Pro Football Focus. Additionally, Dunkle was named first team All-Mountain West, selected by media and coaches alike within the conference in which SDSU competes in.
"I had a lot of personal goes that I wanted to accomplish, one of them was being an All-American, and it feels good to get that," Dunkle told ChulaVistaToday. 'It might be corny, but I always write down my goals because I feel like when I can see them every day, it reminds me that I have work to do," he added.
The Aztecs finished their regular season with a 11-2 record, tying an SDSU record of collecting 11 victories in a season, which propelled the university to be listed at 24 in the final College Football Playoff Rankings of the year.
Dunkle and the rest of the SDSU Aztecs are set to play The University of Texas at San Antonio in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl next Tuesday, December 21st, in Frisco, Texas.
