College football: TCU's Cannon gets first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors

More than a few West Texans have made an impact on the national title race over the years.

This year it has been Marcus Cannon’s turn to play a role.

Starting at right tackle for No. 4 TCU, Cannon has been named to the All-Mountain West first team, along with nine fellow Horned Frogs who made the first team.

Cannon, a 6-foot-5, 350-pound right tackle, built his success on the strength of a sophomore season that earned the Odessa High School graduate, a product of the 2006 class, honorable mention All-Mountain West honors a year ago.

But along with his team, Cannon has raised his profile this season.

Ranked No. 5 on ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s list of top junior NFL prospects at offensive tackle, Cannon has the ability to bench-press 480 pounds and has posted 750-pound numbers on the squat rack.

Cannon also has the kind of explosive power that translates to the track and field arena. Last year, Cannon finished second in the Mountain West in the shot put with a throw of 54 feet, 10 inches.

That kind of strength has given Cannon the ability to pave the way for a TCU rushing attack that ranks fifth in the nation at 256.5 yards per game.

Cannon also has provided right-side protection for Horned Frogs quarterback Andy Dalton, who was named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year after completing 62.4 percent of his passes for 2,484 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Led by Dalton and defensive end Jerry Hughes, who received the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year award, TCU placed 19 players among the All-Mountain West honors.

Now, the Horned Frogs are in prime position to receive a BCS bowl bid and possibly a shot at the national championship if Nebraska can upset No. 3 Texas in the Big 12 Championship this weekend at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.