Palmer and Polamalu Are AP All-Americans

Carson Palmer returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday after a six-day trip that culminated with his winning the Heisman Trophy in New York.

Palmer, the first Trojan quarterback to be recognized as college football’s most outstanding player, received further recognition when he and safety Troy Polamalu were selected to the Associated Press All-American team.

Palmer and Polamalu were among five players from the Pacific 10 Conference selected to the 25-player team. Arizona State defensive end Terrell Suggs, the Lombardi Award winner as the nation’s top lineman, was the only repeat selection. Washington State defensive tackle Rien Long, winner of the Outland Trophy as the top interior lineman, and Washington receiver Reggie Williams also were selected.

The Big Ten led all conferences with seven All-Americans, including three from Ohio State -- safety Mike Doss, linebacker Matt Wilhelm and kicker Mike Nugent.

USC, Iowa and Oklahoma each had two.

Iowa quarterback Brad Banks, AP’s player of the year, was selected to the second team.

Cornerback Shane Walton became Notre Dame’s first All-American since offensive tackle Aaron Taylor in 1993.

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Palmer was greeted by about 30 members of USC’s marching band and dozens of fans and autograph seekers when he arrived at LAX. Palmer did several radio and television interviews while the band played in the background.... USC has sold all of its 15,000 allotted tickets for the Orange Bowl.

-- Gary Klein