This Sunday, as millions of Americans flip through their newspapers, many of them should come across PARADE Magazine's football All-America issue. And at the very end of a list of 53 seniors will be Lone Peak quarterback and safety Chase Hansen.

Hansen will be honored as an all-purpose player on the distinguished PARADE All-American team, the only Utahn on the list this year, the magazine confirmed Thursday. It isn't necessarily surprising that a player who racked up almost 4,500 yards of offense and 54 total touchdowns while leading the Knights to a 5A state title should be so honored — but Hansen was still surprised when reached by the Tribune for comment.

"That's unbelievable," Hansen said. "There's a lot of great players out there, and it's definitely an honor to be named an All-American."

With Hansen at the helm, Lone Peak went 14-0, capping off the year with a 41-21 victory over Fremont in the championship game. Hansen was named the Tribune's 5A player of the year, and was also named Utah's Gatorade player of the year.

Undoubtedly, the Utah-committed quarterback had a huge supporting cast: Eight of his other teammates also earned all-state honors. Hansen was quick to give them credit, saying, "Those guys carried me all year — I couldn't have done it without them."

But it is also true that without Hansen, Lone Peak might've never been in position to win it all this year. Ever since he transferred from American Fork a year and a half ago, the dual-threat passer has burned opponents through the air and on the ground. Hansen's athletic ability and presence on the field gave other players a chance to shine, coach Tony McGeary said.

"He was the catalyst to our offense, and our captain, our leader," McGeary said. "He led by example, and other guys stepped up and followed him."

Hansen was the second Utah quarterback to make an All-American team as an all-purpose athlete this year — Logan's D.J. Nelson, who finished with gaudy numbers himself, was recognized by Rivals.com.

At the end of the season, Hansen said he would get a chance to compete at the quarterback position despite speculation that he could move to defense for college. It is unclear what effect offensive coordinator Norm Chow's departure could have on what position he plays for the Utes.

— Kyle Goon

kgoon@sltrib.com

Twitter: @kylegoon