Rashan Gary, Mason Cole earn Sporting News preseason All-America honors

It's getting to the point in the summer where the preseason polls and rankings can start to be taken more seriously as college football is right around the corner.

Today, the Sporting News preseason All-American lists were put out and two Michigan Wolverines find their names within the poll.

For the most part, it's not a surprise.

Sophomore defensive end Rashan Gary was listed first team today, and on the second team senior offensive lineman Mason Cole wound up finding a spot.

"The former No. 1 recruit in the country is versatile, and defensive coordinator Don Brown will make the most out of that talent this season,” said the Sporting News’ analysis. “This isn’t a reach to put Gary on the first team. He will emerge as an elite defensive lineman in the Big Ten this year."

Gary had a total of 27 tackles last season, five of those came for a loss while recording one sack as well. He played behind ex-Wolverine Chris Wormley for most of the season.

Cole’s story isn't exactly that simple. His first two seasons with Michigan were spent at the left tackle position. Last year he was the starting center, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors and pushing his starting streak to 38 games.

From what the spring says about Cole, he should be sliding back over to the left tackle position. It's somewhat surprising due to the fact he was ranked as college football’s No. 1 draftable center in 2018 by NFLDraftScout.com.

Last season Jabrill Peppers was the unanimous All-American who was also a finalist for the heisman trophy. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis and tight end Jake Butt have also been recognized as All-Americans in recent years.

Lewis officially signed with the Dallas Cowboys last night, as he posted a photo of him signing that read “Officially a Dallas Cowboy.”